The combined telephone, computer, and cable TV industry segments are referred to as the broader industry of telecommunications. Together they provide equipment and wired and/or wireless connections needed for communicating via telephone and connecting to the Internet. Some retail and service companies that provide access to phone and Internet services and sell equipment and accessories, such as phones, cell phones, tablets, and computers, are also considered part of the telecommunications industry.
Passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated the industry but had a limited impact. The ability to offer "universal service" remains restricted by regulations, particularly evident in rural and low-income communities. On the whole, however, telecommunications is a dynamic and growing industry, driven by widespread adoption of broadband Internet, cell phones, and Wi-Fi data transmission. The industry is engaged in a steady effort to keep up with advancing technology and consumer demands that requires regular upgrading and improvement of infrastructure, such as cell towers, fiber optic lines, and bandwidth.
These advances and improvements have reduced the need for traditional workers in this industry, such as telecommunications equipment installers and repairers but increased demand for those with expertise in new technology (such as electrical and electronics engineers and artificial intelligence specialists). Demand for radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers will increase because of the continuing need for new cell and communication towers, as well as the maintenance of existing ones. The telecommunications market remains very competitive. The largest cable and cell phone and data providers often go head to head to win customers and subscribers.
Global spending on telecommunications and pay TV services reached $1.54 trillion in 2024, according to the Worldwide Semiannual Telecom Services Tracker published by International Data Corporation (IDC).
The telecommunications industry employed 616,100 workers in December 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. wireless industry contributes $825 billion each year to the U.S. economy, according to data provided by CTIA. The wireless communications association also reports that "every wireless job creates an additional 7.7 jobs throughout the broader economy, making the industry’s contribution bigger than full-service restaurants and hardware manufacturing."
Increasing demand for wireless communications and regular upgrading of wireless systems should help increase opportunities. To succeed, telecommunications companies must invest in new technology and equipment to offer the best services and products, opening opportunities for engineering, technical, and business professionals as well as marketing specialists with the abilities to sell and deliver the integrated, multifunctional, data-oriented systems that support modern communications.
- Cable Television Technicians
- Computer and Office Machine Service Technicians
- Computer Network Administrators
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Support Specialists
- Computer Systems Programmer/Analysts
- Customer Service Representatives
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Electronics Engineers
- Electronics Service Technicians
- Engineering Technicians
- Engineers
- Fiber Optics Technicians
- Internet Developers
- Internet Security Specialists
- Line Installers and Cable Splicers
- Microelectronics Technicians
- Network Operations Center Engineers
- Network Operations Center Technicians
- Software Application Developers
- Telecommunications Network Engineers
- Telephone and PBX Installers and Repairers
- Telephone Operators
- Wireless Service Technicians
