An Introduction to Telecom Services
Digitalisation is becoming fashionable, and people are enthusiastic about it. We mean households and various business sectors when we say "people." Telecommunication companies provide various types of telecom services. The offerings include voice, video, telephone, internet, and communication services. Telephone administration, which can be done in either a wired or wireless mode, is the most well-known type of media communications administration.
Internet, television, and networking services for homes and businesses are examples of different types. These administrations may not be available in all areas or from all organisations. There are numerous types of telecommunication services, and we will go over some of the most common. Continue reading to learn more!
What do You Mean by Telecom Services?
A full, single communications circuit comprises two stations, each with a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver of any station could be combined into a single device known as a transceiver. Electrical wire or cable, also known as copper, optical fibre, electromagnetic fields, or light, can all be used as a signal transmission medium. Wireless communications are the transmission and reception of data in free space using electromagnetic fields.
Importance of Telecommunication Services
1. Telecommunications allows for development and participation.
Telecommunications is becoming increasingly important in enabling the involvement and development of individuals in geographically disadvantaged communities and nations, whether in rural areas of the United States or in developing countries.
2. Telecommunications infrastructure is critical for national security.
Telecommunications are critical for disaster recovery, maintaining military dominance, and ensuring homeland security. It is critical to maintain communication capability while also having superior capability when fighting an enemy. Relying on foreign suppliers for innovation, technologies, applications, and services poses risks.
3. Telecommunications provides a technological foundation for societal communications.
Communication is essential to the basic functions of any society, from business to government to families. In reality, interpersonal communication is the defining characteristic that distinguishes an organisation, community, or society from a group of individuals. Instant messaging, cell phone calling, Web browsing, and other forms of communication are becoming increasingly integrated into how we work, play, and live.
Features of Telecommunication Services
1. Canals and Ports
Every telecommunications network has terminals. They are the components that allow communications to be paused and resumed.
2. Computers that are used for communication
As you may be aware, when information travels through channels, it must go through a lot of processing before it reaches the end user.
3. Software
Software is also required to support data transmission across various communication channels.
Types of Telecom Services
(i) Cellular Mobile Services, which include all mobile telecoms services such as voice and non-voice messaging, data services, and PCO services, use any type of network equipment in their service region.
(ii) Radio Paging Services: Radio paging services are a low-cost way to reach people who are on the move.
(iii) Fixed Line Services are all fixed Services, such as voice and text messages and data services used to establish long-distance connections.
(iv) Cable Services: These are connections and switched services that operate media services, which are typically one-way entertainment-related services within a licenced operating area.
(v) Satellite Services: VSAT is an abbreviation for Very Small Aperture Terminal, a satellite-based communications service. It provides a highly adaptable and dependable communication solution to organisations such as businesses and governments.
(vi) DTH Services: DTH is another satellite-based media service provided by cellular providers (Direct to Home). A set-top box and a small dish antenna are required to receive media services directly from a satellite.
Different Types of Telecom Services and How It Impacts the Industry
Telecommunications service providers, also known as communications service providers, are typically in charge of managing telecommunications systems. Previously, these companies offered telephone and related services; now, they offer a variety of WAN and internet services, as well as metropolitan area networks (MAN) and international services.
In several countries, the government owned and ran the majority of telecom service providers. That is no longer the case, and many things have been privatised. Although most countries have their government bodies responsible for developing and enforcing telecommunications regulations, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations (UN) organisation in charge of telecommunications and broadcasting standards. Internet service providers (ISPs), telecom equipment suppliers, wireless service providers, radio and television broadcasters, cable companies, satellite television providers, and managed service providers are just a few of the many businesses that provide telecommunications services (MSPs).
The three primary telecom industry sectors are telecom equipment manufacturers, telecom services providers, and wireless communications providers. Telecom equipment, which includes wireless semiconductors, analogue or digital public switching equipment, and customer equipment such as routers and modems, is the largest industry among these sectors. Wireless communications are the smallest industry.
Case Study
What are the different telecom services that exist? Provide with the examples.
Ans: There are numerous communication services available to support commerce. These include the following:
(i) Mobile Cellular Services: This includes all mobile telecom services, including voice and text messaging, data services, and PCO services that use any type of network hardware.
(ii) Radio Paging Services: Information can be sent to Radio Paging Service users even if they do not have a mobile device. It is a low-cost one-way information broadcasting technology that supports both alpha and numeric paging as well as tone-only paging.
(iii) Fixed Line Services: All fixed services, including voice and text messages, as well as data services, can be used to create long-distance connections using any type of network hardware linked by fibre optic cables.
(iv) Connections and Switched Services that operate media services, which are effectively one-way entertainment-related services, within a licenced area of operation, are examples of this.
(v) VSAT Services VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a satellite-based communications service that is highly flexible, uninterrupted, and reliable for applications such as online newspapers and tele-education in both urban and rural areas. DISH Network Services DTH (Direct to Home), a satellite-based media service, is provided by cellular companies. A set-top box and a small dish antenna are required to receive media services directly from a satellite.
Conclusion
Because of telecommunications, people worldwide can interact, access information instantly, and connect from far-flung locations. It typically consists of a sender and one or more recipients linked by a technology that sends data from one location to another, such as a telephone system or computer network (LANs or WANs).
FAQs on What Are Telecom Services? Explained
1. What are telecom services as per the CBSE Class 11 syllabus?
Telecom services are communication services offered by companies to transmit voice, data, and video over a distance. These services form the backbone of modern business and social interaction. For students, understanding this means recognising services that enable everything from phone calls and internet browsing to television broadcasting. They are typically provided over wired networks (like copper or fibre optic cables) or wireless networks (like mobile signals or satellites).
2. What are the main types of telecom services available in India?
According to the NCERT curriculum, the primary types of telecom services offered in India include:
- Cellular Mobile Services: These include all mobile communication services like voice calls, SMS, and internet data access through technologies like 4G and 5G.
- Fixed-Line Services: These refer to traditional landline telephone services that use physical cables to connect the user. They also include broadband internet delivered through these lines.
- Cable Services: These services primarily broadcast media and entertainment content to homes and businesses through a network of coaxial or fibre optic cables.
- VSAT Services: Standing for Very Small Aperture Terminal, this is a satellite-based service that provides reliable communication and internet access, especially in remote or rural areas where cable infrastructure is absent.
- DTH Services: Direct-To-Home is a satellite-based service where television channels are broadcast directly to a subscriber's home via a personal dish antenna and set-top box.
3. Why are reliable telecom services considered crucial for a nation's development?
Reliable telecom services are vital for a nation's development for several key reasons. They facilitate business operations by enabling instant communication, online transactions, and access to global markets. They also promote social and economic inclusion by connecting people in remote and rural areas to education, healthcare, and government services. Furthermore, a robust telecommunications infrastructure is critical for national security and disaster management, ensuring communication channels remain open during emergencies.
4. What is the fundamental difference between a telecommunication and a telecom service?
The key difference lies in their scope. Telecommunication is the broad technical process of transmitting any kind of information (like signs, signals, or sounds) over a distance using technology. In contrast, a telecom service is the specific commercial product offered by a provider that utilises this technology. For example, the technology of transmitting data wirelessly is telecommunication, while a '4G mobile data plan' you buy from a company is a telecom service.
5. How have cellular mobile services evolved beyond just voice calls?
Cellular mobile services have dramatically evolved from their initial purpose of making voice calls. Today, they encompass a wide range of functionalities:
- Non-voice messaging: This started with SMS and has now expanded to include instant messaging through data services.
- Data Services: The biggest evolution is the provision of high-speed internet, which enables web browsing, video streaming, online gaming, and the use of countless mobile applications.
- PCO Services: Mobile networks are also used to provide connectivity for Public Call Offices in some areas.
- Foundation for Digital Economy: Modern cellular services are the platform for digital payments, e-commerce, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
6. How do VSAT and DTH services differ, given both use satellites?
While both VSAT and DTH are satellite-based, their primary function and technology differ. DTH (Direct-To-Home) is a one-way broadcasting service designed to deliver television content to a mass audience. The user only receives the signal. In contrast, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a two-way communication service. It allows users to both send and receive data, making it suitable for applications like banking ATMs in remote areas, internet access, and corporate networks where interactive communication is necessary.
7. Are Fixed-Line services still relevant in the age of mobile phones?
Yes, fixed-line services remain highly relevant, especially for businesses and for providing high-speed internet. While their use for voice calls in homes has declined, their underlying infrastructure, particularly fibre optic cables, offers superior speed, stability, and security compared to wireless networks. This makes them essential for offices, call centres, data centres, and for delivering reliable, high-bandwidth broadband (FTTH - Fibre-To-The-Home) to residential users.
