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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Telecommunications and the World Wide Web

The world is quickly emerging into one that no longer knows life without technology. Kids now have no idea what it was like to not have video games, remote controls, computers or cell phones. With each new idea that launches in the business world comes a new trade and way of doing things. The World Wide Web and the telecommunications industries seem to be going strong with no signs of slowing down.

Without the World Wide Web, we would not be taking this class or posting this blog. There are so many other options now available to us that only a few years ago were unthinkable. We have internet banking where we can check our account balance anytime without ever setting foot in the bank. There is also the option of using one of the many search engines to find information for research projects or just for fun. It all helps us stay connected at all times.

The telecommunications industry has grown so much that landline phones are almost no longer a necessity. A person with a smart phone can accomplish almost anything they could do while sitting at their work desk. Check e-mail, surf the net, write a Word document and talk on the phone. There is also the option on many phones of being able to take pictures and video and immediately have them sent to someone else. In the cellular world, there are CDMA, GSM and 3G networks, which is used by the Apple’s new iPhone. If at any time we get tired of holding the actual phone in our hands, or we must talk while driving, we have the option now using a Bluetooth paired with our phones. Bluetooth can also connect to other items such as a printer, keyboard or PDA, constantly keeping us connected and able to personally network.

On the opposite side of the telecommunications industry lays the Wi-Fi and wireless internet that almost every company offers to its customers. Cingular, Verizon and Alltel offer a WiFi/wireless internet package that can keep you connected to the internet so long as you are in a cellular service area. How many places can we go now that doesn’t advertise on its walls that it is a “Wi-Fi Hot Spot?” Even McDonald’s has jumped on board making most of its locations a hot spot to help draw that technology savvy crowd. And most people won’t even consider a hotel that doesn’t offer WiFi or wireless internet to its customers. Even now, this blog is being posted using a wireless internet connection.

Our technology is ever changing. The good part is that these services are only improving and getting cheaper to use. The competition has really heated up over the past few years and everyone major telecommunications company wants a slice of that pie. This works well for the consumer who wants to just enjoy always being connected.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Angela, you are so right about the ever-changing environment of wireless technologies. It seems now that most places that we frequent are expected to be equipped with WiFi technology. The idea of hardline internet connections is almost becoming an idea of the past.

The other thing I think that is changing very rapidly, is our ability for us to receive information. Think about how easy it is to look up a definition or topic in history when you are unfamiliar with it.

I think that this is something that will radically change the way in which people are educated (online universities, etc.).

Frances Rowe said...

I agree that the world is changing very rapidly. My son knows more about cell phones than I do. I think the change is good. Like you said if not for change, we would not be taking the class. I wanted to go back to school for awhile but didn't have the time to take night classes.
I think the change in technologies only makes our lives easier. It is nice to have a phone to look up something right there and not wait until you get home.
Frances Rowe

Neisa said...

Internet technology makes the world so much more productive. This evening while we were having a meeting at work, we decided to buy a marking system for our parts. I found one online in about 5 minutes. Then we decided that calendars for our customers with our products as the artwork would be a good marketing tool. I found a company that can make the calendar. I upload the pictures and pick out the layout. In 5 days I have a proof for approval, and then 8 days later, I have 250 copies at my door. I found this service at 6:00pm after about 5 minutes of searching. Traditionally I would have had to call a local publisher because I would never have known about the one I found. The web has made our whole life easier.

Jason Beyerlein said...

The world is changing and it is great. You can communicate with someone on the other side of the world instantly. You can do this will in a cafe, at home, or in an airport and usually for free.

Demechia said...

WiFi is popping up everywhere. If you don't know anything about telecommunications and the Web, it is time to learn.

Demechia

Anonymous said...

The web is such an amazing and wonderful thing. So true that nowadays, it is so hard to live without it. I would die if I couldn't take online classes or pay bills or shop, etc.

And WiFi is even crazier, because now you don't have to be at home plugged into the wall.