Telecommunications are the transmission—between or among points specified by the user—of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.
Telecommunications may transmitted by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable—including phone and internet communications.
In Texas, telecommunications services are regulated by both state and federal laws. The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees the state's telecommunications industry, ensuring that services are provided fairly and efficiently. This includes the regulation of telephone (both landline and wireless) and internet service providers. The PUC also works to ensure that all Texans have access to telecommunications services, including those in rural areas. At the federal level, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC's rules apply to Texas as well as all other states, ensuring a consistent regulatory framework across the country. These regulations cover the technical aspects of telecommunications, such as spectrum allocation and technical standards, as well as consumer protection issues like privacy and accessibility of services.
