Telecommunications

Essential telecommunications services, such as phone and high-speed internet service, are basic necessities. Being able to pick up the phone to call in an emergency is especially important to older adults, who may have health conditions or mobility issues that make emergencies more dangerous. Older adults also need access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet at home, along with the digital skills to use it effectively. Yet service is not universally available or affordable.  

Technological change has transformed local telecommunications companies. The largest phone companies once provided only telephone service over traditional copper wires. Now many use fiber-optic networks in some parts of their service territories. These networks can offer a wide range of services, including video programming and high-speed internet. Similarly, the largest cable television providers have expanded beyond traditional video services. Most now offer high-speed internet and telephone services.  

Choices available to consumers vary based on their location. For example, some areas lack any high-speed internet access service, consumers in other areas may have the option to purchase bundles of voice, video, and internet access from two providers: the telecommunications company and the cable company. This duopoly is preferable to having only one company present but is not considered effective competition. Increasingly, households are opting out of video. Instead, they are signing up for various streaming services.

Advances in these technologies are likely to continue at a rapid pace. This will lead to further evolution in how services are provided.