One day, I came across the term “telecom solutions” and had no idea what it meant. Later, a friend told me that his company had just switched to a new telecom system that would save them a lot of money. I wondered, what exactly is this? Is it changing the phone lines? Or upgrading the network? I decided to look it up myself so I wouldn’t be clueless again.
Step 1: Find the simplest explanation
I turned on my computer and searched for “what does telecommunications mean” on Google. A bunch of technical terms popped up, such as “communication protocol,” “data transmission,” and “network architecture,” which made my head spin. I changed my search terms to “telecommunications explanation for laypeople.”
Finally, I found a short blog post that explained it clearly: Telecommunications is the technology that allows information to be transmitted over long distances. For example, making phone calls, sending text messages, video chatting, and surfing the internet all fall under this category.
It’s actually all around us
I used to think that “telecommunications solutions” were very advanced and only used in large companies. But then I realized that everyone uses them. For example:
- Broadband internet at home
- Cell phone signals
- Remote communication with smart doorbells
- Delivery drivers using tablets to receive orders
All of these are telecommunications technology at work.
What is the difference between old and new phones?
My mother still uses a landline phone with copper wires. This is old-fashioned telecommunications. Nowadays, many companies no longer use copper wires and have switched to making calls over the internet.
For example, when you use WeChat voice calls, you are actually using “internet telephony.” The same is true for businesses. Instead of buying a telephone exchange, they can make calls directly over the internet, which is cheaper and easier to manage.
First key point: VoIP internet phone calls
VoIP is the technology that allows you to make phone calls over the internet. It does not use telephone lines, but the internet. For example:
- Companies use DingTalk and Teams to hold meetings
- Call centers use software to answer calls
- You use a mobile app to make international calls at home
These phone calls are inexpensive and have good sound quality, so more and more people are using them.
Second key point: Wireless connectivity is important
In the past, communication relied on wires, but now it relies on wireless technology. Mobile phones use 4G/5G, homes use Wi-Fi, and companies use wireless networks to cover their entire offices.
It’s not just people who use it, but machines as well. For example:
- GPS positioning on delivery vehicles
- Barcode scanners in warehouses
- Sensors in factories
These devices need to be connected at all times and cannot be disconnected.
Third key point: Connecting different locations
Large companies have many branches. How do they stay connected to headquarters? In the past, dedicated lines were required, which were very expensive. Now, a technology called SD-WAN is used to securely connect different locations via the Internet.
For example, bank branches use this method to transmit data quickly and securely without spending a lot of money on dedicated lines.
Fourth key point: Security is essential
The further information is transmitted, the easier it is to intercept. For example, hackers can eavesdrop on phone calls or steal customer data.
That is why today’s telecommunications systems are equipped with encryption, which is like a lock on information. Only the recipient can open it. This is particularly important for places such as hospitals and banks.
Fifth key point: Services are cloud-based, so you don’t have to manage them yourself
In the past, companies had to purchase equipment and hire people to maintain it. Now, they can simply rent telecommunications services. For example:
- No need to purchase a telephone system; just pay a monthly fee
- Network management is handled by the service provider
- Can be upgraded or downgraded at any time
This model is called “cloud service,” which is both convenient and cost-effective.
Telecommunications is not a single product, but a set of tools
At first, I thought “telecommunications solutions” was a single thing, but later I realized that it is a combination of technologies. It’s like building a house. You don’t just use a hammer, you use a hammer, a screwdriver, and a drill.
Companies choose different tools according to their needs to solve communication problems.
What practical problems can it solve?
Common problems include:
- Phone bills are too expensive → Use VoIP to save money
- Branches cannot connect to headquarters → Use SD-WAN to connect
- Poor mobile signal → Install a signal amplifier
- Data security concerns → Encrypt transmission
- Too many devices to manage → Use a cloud platform for unified management
Each problem has a corresponding telecommunications solution.
Small companies can afford it too
Many people think that only large companies use telecommunications solutions. In fact, small businesses can use them too. For example:
- Food truck owners use mobile networks to take orders
- Small clinics use VoIP to receive patients
- Online stores use cloud customer service systems to handle inquiries
These are inexpensive, paid monthly, and charged based on usage.
I tried it out using my friend’s example
I have a friend who runs a food truck and only has one phone line.I tried to help him analyze his situation using my knowledge of telecommunications:
- High phone bills? → Switch to internet phone service to save 50%.
- Customers place orders online? → You need stable Wi-Fi or 4G.
- Need to communicate with the kitchen? → Use an intercom app, which is faster than calling.
- Want to set up a membership system? → Use a cloud platform to manage customer data.
He understood immediately and said he would give it a try.
Why are there so many technical terms?
The telecommunications industry likes to use abbreviations, such as VoIP, SD-WAN, and UCaaS. These terms are like gibberish to ordinary people. In fact, they are just technical names, and you don’t need to remember them.
The important thing is to know what problems they solve, not to remember their names.
Don’t be intimidated by technical terms
Many people think “telecommunications solutions” sounds complicated. In fact, you don’t need to understand the technology. Just ask:
- What problems do I currently have with communications?
- How much will it cost?
- Can it be more stable?
- Is it secure?
- Can it be more convenient?
The answers will help you decide whether you need to switch.
Telecommunications are quietly changing our lives
We use telecommunications technology every day, but we rarely realize it. For example:
- Delivery personnel scan codes to ship goods
- Didi drivers accept orders
- Remote medical consultations in hospitals
All of these are supported by telecommunications systems.
The future will be smarter
Telecommunications systems will become smarter in the future. For example:
- Automatic detection of network problems
- Adjusting bandwidth based on usage
- Using AI to predict failures
- Switching to a backup line with one click
These technologies will make communications more stable.
Advice for ordinary people
If you want to learn about telecommunications solutions:
- Don’t look at advertisements; look at what problems they can actually solve.
- Ask about the costs and whether there are any hidden fees.
- Find out if maintenance is included in the service.
- Read reviews from other users, don’t just listen to salespeople.
- Small companies can start with simple services.
You don’t necessarily have to switch
If your current phone and network are working well and you’re not spending too much money, there’s no need to rush to switch. Telecommunications upgrades are not a necessity, but a solution to problems.
Only when you feel that your service is expensive, slow, or unstable should you consider a new solution.
Summary
Telecom solutions are not mysterious technologies.
They are a combination of tools that enable information to be transmitted over long distances.
The core principles are: cost-effectiveness, stability, security, and convenience.
They are suitable for both large companies and small businesses.
Don’t be intimidated by technical jargon; focus on the actual results.
Next time you hear “telecom solutions,” don’t think it’s complicated—it might just be helping you make WeChat calls.
