Telecommunications service providers are the companies at the heart of the telecommunications industry. They provide people with the means to communicate with one another by telephone, mobile phone, and the Internet. Telecommunications service providers also make available cable or satellite access for television and computer connectivity. Service providers are constantly trying to locate and build solutions that will tie organizations and individuals together no matter what their locations.

Early Telecommunications Service Providers

The first identifiable telecommunications service provider was the telegraph office of the late 1800s. Telegraph offices were typically owned or operated by the U.S. federal government in conjunction with local and state authorities. They provided the first end-to-end connectivity of wiring to enable instantaneous communication between two distant points. These simple telegraph offices created the foundation for modern day commercial telecommunication organizations.

One of the most notable service providers, Bell Telephone...