What are telecommunications?
Telecommunications means sending and receiving information over a distance using electronic systems. Unlike transport, which moves people and goods, telecommunications move information — words, sound, pictures and data — almost instantly, even between places thousands of kilometres apart. Examples include telephones, mobile phones, the Internet, television and radio. Because information travels at the speed of electronic signals, people no longer need to travel in person to share news or do business.
Types of telecommunications
- Telephone and mobile networks — for calls and text messages; smartphones now also carry Internet data.
- The Internet — links computers worldwide for e-mail, websites, online learning and business.
- Broadcasting — radio and television spread news and information to many people at once.
- Satellite and fibre-optic systems — carry huge amounts of signals over long distances at high speed, linking Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak and with other countries.
Key idea
Transport moves PEOPLE and GOODS; telecommunications move INFORMATION. Both are needed to connect a modern country.
Importance to Malaysia
Example
A business in Penang can e-mail an order and video-call a customer in Sabah in seconds, saving the cost and time of travel.
- Business and economy — allows fast communication, online banking and e-commerce.
- Education — supports online lessons and access to information for students.
- Social life — keeps families and friends in touch across the country and the world.
- Development — projects such as the MSC (Multimedia Super Corridor) promote information technology growth.
Remember
- Telecommunications carry information, not physical goods.
- Fibre-optic and satellite links make communication faster and wider.
- Good telecommunications help business, education and daily life.