Telekomunikacion

Telekomunikacion, or telecommunications, is the transmission of information over distance using electronic means. It covers voice, data, text, images, and video delivered through networks that connect end-user devices to switching, routing, and transmission infrastructure. The field includes traditional telephony, broadcasting, data communications, and the Internet.

Historically, telecommunication began with the telegraph and telephone in the 19th century, expanded through radio and television, and then moved to digital, packet-based networks. The development of satellite links and global submarine cables enabled worldwide connectivity. In recent decades, mobile networks and broadband have transformed access, giving rise to converged services and IP-based communications.

Key components include transmission media (fiber optic, copper, coaxial, wireless spectrum), access networks (DSL, fiber to the premises, mobile networks), core networks and switching/routing equipment, and customer premises equipment. Technologies span circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, radio access technologies (2G/3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi), and the Internet Protocol for data transport. Standards bodies such as ITU-T, IEEE, IETF, and 3GPP guide interoperability.

Regulation covers spectrum allocation, licensing, universal service obligations, privacy and security rules, and competition policy. Global networks rely on submarine cables and satellite links, with ongoing investments in fiber, data centers, and content delivery networks. Telecommunications have broad social and economic impacts, enabling commerce, education, and emergency services, while also raising concerns about cybersecurity, surveillance, and the digital divide.

Current trends include network convergence, cloud-based services, software-defined networking, and virtualization, as well as ongoing expansion of mobile broadband, 5G/6G research, and satellite Internet. The field continues to evolve toward ubiquitous, high-capacity, low-latency communications.