Growth has thus been spurred by both public and private interests.
Repair and Maintenance Procedures
The repair of the actual wire portions of wired telecommunications systems is relatively straightforward. Downed lines -- a common occurrence in storms due to high winds, fallen trees, etc. -- must be replaced by new segments of wire connecting existing (or replaced) nodes along the wire route. Wires can often be reused following being downed after inspection and refurbishing, though long-term maintenance ultimately includes replacing wires as technology cycles demand higher performance capabilities (von Alven 1998). Service can also often be rerouted so as to avoid large-scale interruptions before a repair is performed.
Previous Failures
Following the breakup of the major wired telecommunications companies and the mergence of numerous smaller companies or subscribers attempting to supply the same level and type of service, several distinct problems that led to localized failures were noticed. Lightning surge problems, connecting devices and systems operating in slightly different manners, and simpler problems like taking care of electro-static discharge were easily handled by the immense resources of the large telecommunications companies, but could not be so easily or affordably addressed by smaller companies (von Alven...
The industry has not moved especially quickly to address these areas of concern, though certain independent manufacturers have developed devices and methods that offer better protections against these common sources of failure, damage, and service interruption (von Alven 1998).
Conclusion
The wired telecommunications industry took off quite rapidly and grew immensely throughout most of the twentieth century. It is clear, however, that the industry has seen its heyday, and that it will not come again. Wired telecommunications systems will continue to be a vital part of overall communications and information networks, but they no longer have the primacy of importance nor the immediacy of the demand that they once had. Wireless technologies are now the most common user interfaces and an increasingly efficient option for many large-scale applications.
References
Hoovers. (2011).Fixed-line voice service providers. Accessed 11 April 2011. http://www.hoovers.com/industry/fixed-line-voice-services-providers/1590-1-0-1njg0x.html
IBIS. (2011). Wired telecommunications carriers. Accessed 11 April 2011. http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/default.aspx?indid=1268
Von Alven, W. (1998). Bill's 200-Year Condensed History of Telecommunications. Accessed 11 April 2011. http://www.cclab.com/billhist.htm
