Ever since the introduction of the telephone in the late 19th century, technology has gradually made it easier and more affordable than ever to communicate with one another. In the early 90s, however, the game changed entirely with the introduction of the Internet.
Now that millions of computers were interconnected, mankind could communicate in a brand new way that was not only more efficient, but far more affordable. Today, advances in both online and phone technology continue to make communication easy and affordable. Needless to say, Alexander Graham Bell would be proud!
E-MAIL
One of the first ways the Internet allowed people to communicate was through e-mail. For the first time ever, we were able to send completely digital correspondence in a way that could be easily read, stored, indexed, and even printed. Although it came at a heavy loss to the postal service, it completely revolutionized the way we communicate. No longer did we have to manual delivery mail, spreadsheets, or files! They could all be sent and received virtually.
To this day, e-mail is one of the most affordable methods of communication for anyone with an Internet connection. With many websites offering free web-based mail, it’s never been easier to use!
Technology is making communication easier
INSTANT MESSAGING
Now that mail and documents could be sent through the wires, the next big step was to digitize conversation. This was achieved with instant messaging that originally involved downloading some form of software and communicating with people on a list of contacts. Although many forms of instant messaging still use this format, it’s evolved into other forms: With live online chat rooms and instant messaging features built into many major web services, we’re now able to communicate online almost as efficiently as we do in real life; and it’s usually free!
INTERNET PHONE
Unlike traditional telecommunications that necessitate telephone lines or devoted wireless networks, the Internet is able to provide a connection in a multitude of ways. In fact, today we can even use cellular networks to get online, making the Internet more accessible than ever before. With the affordable functionality of the Internet alongside the ability to record and send voices through the computer, Internet-based phone services soon became exceeding popular. Unlike normal phone plans that usually require contracts and impose location and minute-based limitations, the Internet allows us to connect with people from all over the world for one low price: The cost to connect.
As many people find talking online far cheaper than paying hundreds of dollars a month for pricey international calls, Internet phone services are becoming increasingly popular.
VIDEO CHAT
With the advanced inter-connectivity and features of the Internet coupled with the ability to send both sound and video in real time between computers, it was online a matter of time until video chat was developed. Today, Internet users have access to a wide range of free video chat programs. These have the same affordable benefits as Internet phone services do, but with the added bonus of being able to communicate virtually face-to-face.
CELL PHONES
Although often not quite as cheap as Internet-based services, cell phones are still the leaders of modern telecommunication. With many smart phones offering phone, text messaging, Internet access, and much more, we’re now able to use and access all of the previously mentioned technologies – e-mail, instant messaging, etc. – through convenient and sleek devices.
However, not all cell phones have these features; for the time being, those that do can be expensive. The cell phone itself, however, is still an incredible technological advancement that allows us to communicate from almost anywhere. With some prepaid cell phones going for as little as $10, they continue to be one of the most convenient and affordable ways to keep in touch.
As technology continues to develop, new and cheaper ways of communicating become available to billions of people all over the world. While technology has at times hindered communication, with new advances, communication technology can bring people closer than ever before.
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