Useless warnings

The telecommunications industry will be affected like every other industry — in fact, according to Vertical Systems Group, that impact is being felt already in a significant increase of business line terminations. It only makes sense that as businesses cut jobs, they also cut access lines and services. But using telecom services to be more efficient and more productive is part of the answer to our current economic problem. Increased broadband penetration, especially in rural areas and smaller towns, can open the door to new economic development. Managed services can alleviate the need for capital expense at times when money is tight. Web-based applications can enable enterprises to connect employees to applications wherever they are. Videoconferencing can replace expensive business travel. Telemedicine can improve health care more cost-effectively. Remote energy management can enable us all to use fossil fuels more efficiently, lower our energy bills and even, potentially, reduce the need to build new power plants. Telework can enable employees to work from home, reducing the need for costly office space and even the risk of being hit by ice falling off a high-rise building. Right now, the telecom industry needs to be focused on solutions rather than just running around, uselessly warning of impending doom.