Shaping American Telecommunications: A History of Technology, Policy, and Economics / Edition 1

by Christopher Sterling, Phyllis W. Bernt, Martin B.H. Weiss

Overview

Shaping American Telecommunications examines the technical, regulatory, and economic forces that have shaped the development of American telecommunications services. This volume is both an introduction to the basic technical, economic, and regulatory principles underlying telecommunications, and a detailed account of major events that have marked development of the sector in the United States. Beginning with the introduction of the telegraph and continuing through to current developments in wireless and online services, authors Christopher H. Sterling, Phyllis W. Bernt, and Martin B.H. Weiss explain each stage of telecommunications development, examining the interplay among technical innovation, policy decisions, and regulatory developments.

Offering an integrated treatment of the interplay among technology, policy, and economics as key factors defining the development of the telecommunications sector in the United States, this volume also provides:
*background material to facilitate understanding of each sector;
*contexts for many so-called "new" issues, problems, and trends, demonstrating origins from years or decades in the past; and
*careful annotation, documentation, and reference tables to enable further research on the topics discussed.

This unique multidisciplinary approach provides a balanced view of U.S. telecommunications history, in context with relevant economic, legal, social, and technical analyses. As such, it is essential reading for advanced students in telecommunications needing to understand how the telecommunications industry and service developed to its current form. The volume will also serve as a supplemental text in courses on telecommunications regulation, and it will be of value to professionals in the field seeking context and background for their daily work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805822366
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/30/2005
Series:	LEA Telecommunications Series
Pages:	438
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Christopher Sterling, Phyllis W. Bernt, Martin B.H. Weiss

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface. Introducing Telecommunications. Telegraph to Telephone (to 1893). Era of Competition (1893-1921). Regulated Monopoly (1921-56). Competition Reappears (1956-74). Breaking Up Bell (1974-84). Operating Under the MFJ (1984-96). Innovating New Services (1980s/1990s). 1996 Act and Aftermath (1996-2000). Meltdown...and the Future (Since 2000). Appendices: Regulatory Concepts in Telecommunications Economics, Finance, and Accouting. Glossary. Chronology. Historical Statistics.

Editorial Reviews

"...the volume provides a very readable chronological history of the industry with many good insights along the way. A useful introduction to the telecommunications industry from a historical perspective. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through research collections."
—CHOICE

From the Publisher