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Telephone Era in Alberta >> The People
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Today, the telephone is just one part of the rapidly growing
industry known as telecommunications. However, its ability to
instantly connect Albertans with the rest of the world would prove
to be useless if not for the intricate web of individuals who work
together to keep this industry running smoothly and efficiently.
Telecommunication involves the direction of an electronic signal
from a sender to a receiver over a distance, often by way of a third
medium such as a communications satellite or telephone cable. The
people who make up the telephone and telecommunications workforce
handle a huge network that spans across many kilometres of forest
and prairie land, often running over mountains and through water.
In Alberta, the telecommunications industry is booming, and is
listed as one of the top five in the province along with oil, gas,
forestry and agriculture. There are about 60 telecommunications
companies in Alberta today, employing a workforce of more than
17,000 people. Together, more than $5.8 billion in annual revenue is
generated annually by these companies. By 2010, it is estimated that
the industry will grow to employ over 140,000 people and generate as
much as $30 billion annually.
It is no wonder that the telephone industry in Alberta is
thriving. This prairie province is listed as having the highest
number of households in all of Canada to make use of the various
forms of telecommunications. Today, 99% of Albertan households own a
telephone, 51% make use of a cellular phone, and 65% have internet
access.
Providing telephone and telecommunications services to Albertans
requires a strong, efficient workforce. This workforce is made up of
both the people who manage the telephone services, and those who
power it physically. Together, the management and labour sectors
strive to make communication by way of the telephone easy for
Albertans.
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Heritage Community Foundation and
Telephone Historical Centre All Rights Reserved
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