14.4: Some Infrastructure Management Issues for Tele-communications
Tele-communications has similar management problems as other infrastructure systems, such as power generation or roadways. Numerous structural elements such as cables, satellites, towers and relay stations must be inspected, maintained and replaced over time. Communications traffic must be managed, including dealing with congestion.
Pricing of services and financing necessary infrastructure is a complex issue for telecommunications, particularly as multiple companies may be involved in handling communications. With the merging of Internet, telephone and entertainment, additional complications in pricing services (and illegal copying) arise.