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Telecommunication vs. Communication — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
Telecommunication involves transmitting information over a distance using technology; Communication is the act of conveying information, irrespective of distance.
Telecommunication vs. Communication — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Telecommunication and Communication

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Key Differences

Telecommunication refers specifically to the transmission of information, signals, or messages over a significant distance through the use of technology such as telephones, satellites, or the internet. Communication, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the act of sharing, exchanging, or conveying information, emotions, or ideas between individuals or entities.
Telecommunication is a subset of the wider concept of communication. While telecommunication always involves technology, communication can be as simple as two people having a face-to-face conversation without any technological medium.
In telecommunication, the emphasis is on the tools, technologies, and mediums that facilitate the transmission of information, especially over long distances. In communication, the emphasis is on the content, context, sender, receiver, and the process of exchanging information.
Telecommunication often comes with its own set of protocols, standards, and technical nuances. It can be unidirectional or bidirectional. Communication, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal forms, focuses on how effectively information or feelings are expressed and understood.
While telecommunication has made it easier for people around the world to stay connected, it's just one of the many ways communication can happen. From written letters to simple gestures, communication takes on many forms beyond telecommunication.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Transmission of information over distances using technology.
Act of conveying, sharing, or exchanging information.

Means

Always involves technology.
Can be with or without technology.

Scope

Subset of communication.
Broader concept, includes telecommunication.

Emphasis

On tools, technology, and distance.
On content, context, sender, receiver, and process.

Protocols & Forms

Comes with technical protocols and standards.
Encompasses verbal, non-verbal, written, and other forms.

Compare with Definitions

Telecommunication

The use of devices to send and receive data or voice transmissions.
The introduction of 5G has revolutionized telecommunication speeds and capabilities.

Communication

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

Telecommunication

A field of technology focused on long-distance information exchange.
Many students are now pursuing degrees in telecommunication engineering.

Communication

The bridge that connects sender and receiver through a message.
With the rise of social media, digital communication has overshadowed traditional methods.

Telecommunication

Transmission of information via technological means over distances.
With the rise of cell phones, telecommunication has become a daily part of our lives.

Communication

Communication (from Latin communicare, meaning "to share"or "to be in relation with") is "an apparent answer to the painful divisions between self and other, private and public, and inner thought and outer word." As this definition indicates, communication is difficult to define in a consistent manner, because it is commonly used to refer to a wide range of different behaviors (broadly: "the transfer of information"), or to limit what can be included in the category of communication (for example, requiring a "conscious intent" to persuade). John Peters argues the difficulty of defining communication emerges from the fact that communication is both a universal phenomena (because everyone communicates), and a specific discipline of institutional academic study.One possible definition of communication is the act of developing meaning among entities or groups through the use of sufficiently mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic conventions.

Telecommunication

Electronic conveyance of messages over distance.
Satellites play a pivotal role in global telecommunication.

Communication

The act of communicating; transmission.

Telecommunication

Communication over a medium requiring technology, especially at a distance.
Broadband internet is a popular form of telecommunication in urban areas.

Communication

Interpersonal rapport.

Telecommunication

Telecommunication is the transmission of information by various types of technologies over wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. It has its origin in the desire of humans for communication over a distance greater than that feasible with the human voice, but with a similar scale of expediency; thus, slow systems (such as postal mail) are excluded from the field.

Communication

The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.

Telecommunication

Often telecommunications(used with sing. verb) The science and technology of communication at a distance by transmission of electrical impulses, electromagnetic waves, or optical pulses, as by telephone, radio, television, or computer network
Telecommunications is an important area of professional growth.

Communication

The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.

Telecommunication

Often telecommunications(used with a pl. verb) The systems used in transmitting such messages
Telecommunications were disrupted by the brownout.

Communication

Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.

Telecommunication

A message so transmitted.

Communication

Something communicated; a message.

Telecommunication

(uncountable) The science and technology of the communication of messages over a distance using electric, electronic or electromagnetic impulses.

Communication

A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.

Telecommunication

(countable) A message so transmitted.

Communication

A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.

Telecommunication

(in the plural) Systems used in transmitting such signals.

Communication

Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.

Telecommunication

(often plural) systems used in transmitting messages over a distance electronically

Communication

(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.

Telecommunication

(often plural) the branch of electrical engineering concerned with the technology of electronic communication at a distance

Communication

An opening or connecting passage between two structures.

Communication

A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.

Communication

The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.
Communication of smallpox
Communication of a secret

Communication

(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.
Some say that communication is a necessary prerequisite for sentience; others say that it is a result thereof.
The node had established communication with the network, but had as yet sent no data.

Communication

A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.
Surveillance was accomplished by means of intercepting the spies' communications.

Communication

The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.
The subpoena required that the company document their communication with the plaintiff.

Communication

An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.
The professors' communications consisted of lively discussions via email.

Communication

A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.
A round archway at the far end of the hallway provided communication to the main chamber.

Communication

(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.

Communication

(obsolete) Association; company.

Communication

Participation in Holy Communion.

Communication

(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".

Communication

The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.

Communication

Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.
Argument . . . and friendly communication.

Communication

Association; company.
Evil communications corrupt good manners.

Communication

Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.
The Euxine Sea is conveniently situated for trade, by the communication it has both with Asia and Europe.

Communication

That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.

Communication

Participation in the Lord's supper.

Communication

A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.

Communication

The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;
They could not act without official communication from Moscow

Communication

Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups

Communication

A connection allowing access between persons or places;
How many lines of communication can there be among four people?
A secret passageway provided communication between the two rooms

Communication

The act of conveying or sharing information.
Effective communication is vital for a successful team.

Communication

The process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, or emotions.
Art is a powerful form of non-verbal communication.

Communication

Interaction between individuals to convey or understand a message.
Body language plays a significant role in face-to-face communication.

Communication

Transmitting information, irrespective of the medium used.
Even a simple glance can be a form of communication between two people.

Common Curiosities

What does communication encompass?

Communication encompasses the act of conveying, sharing, or exchanging information, emotions, or ideas.

Is telecommunication a form of communication?

Yes, telecommunication is a subset of the broader concept of communication.

Can communication occur without technology?

Yes, communication can be as simple as a face-to-face conversation without any technological medium.

What is telecommunication?

Telecommunication is the transmission of information over distances using technology.

Can gestures be considered a form of communication?

Yes, gestures are a form of non-verbal communication.

How is communication different from telecommunication?

While telecommunication always involves technology, communication can happen through various means, with or without technology.

How has telecommunication impacted global communication?

Telecommunication has made global communication faster, more efficient, and accessible to more people.

Do telecommunication methods have their own set of protocols?

Yes, telecommunication often involves specific protocols and standards.

What technologies are often associated with telecommunication?

Telephones, satellites, radios, and the internet are common technologies used in telecommunication.

What is the importance of effective communication in teams?

Effective communication ensures clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes collaboration in teams.

Is a handwritten letter an example of telecommunication?

No, a handwritten letter is a form of communication but not telecommunication.

Do telecommunication devices only handle voice transmissions?

No, telecommunication devices can handle data, voice, video, and other types of transmissions.

Are all forms of communication bidirectional?

No, while many forms of communication are bidirectional, some, like broadcasting, are unidirectional.

Is body language an aspect of communication?

Yes, body language is a crucial non-verbal form of communication.

How has the rise of the internet changed telecommunication?

The internet has expanded telecommunication possibilities, enabling instant global connections and a variety of communication platforms.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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