The telecommunications industry delivers telephone, television, Internet,
and other services to customers throughout the United States. Providing the
primary means of communication to virtually all businesses, households, and
individuals, telecommunications firms supply an essential service to the
U.S. economy. In addition to offering traditional services such as wired
phone and cable TV, telecommunications companies also offer services such as
cellular phone, broadband and mobile Internet, and satellite TV, among
others.
Because of the rapid introduction of new technologies and services, the
telecommunications industry is among the most rapidly changing in the
economy. This means workers must keep their job skills up to date.
Telecommunications industry employers now look for workers with knowledge of
and skills in computer programming and software design; voice telephone
technology, known as telephony; laser and fiber optic technology; wireless
technology; and data compression. To maintain their skills and stay abreast
of new technologies, workers may continue to receive training throughout
their careers.
Employment change. Employment in the
telecommunications industry is expected to decline by 9 percent over the
2008–18 period, compared with 11 percent growth for all industries combined.
Despite an increasing demand for wireless Internet, cable television, and
mobile technologies, productivity gains will result in a reduced demand for
workers. As telecommunications infrastructure becomes more reliable, for
example, fewer workers will be needed to make repairs. Also, consolidation
among organizations will lead to productivity growth across many
occupational groups, as combined operations generally require fewer total
workers.
