Telecom Terminology

The telephone – How does it work?

The microphone, located in the lower part of the telephone unit, changes the sound of our words to an electric signal. This signal is amplified and is sent through the copper wire to the other person at the end of the line. There the signal is amplified again and changed back by the upper part of the telephone from an electrical signal to a sound signal that we can hear and understand.

How to choose a new telecom supplier?

A lot of people that still use KPN, the local incumbent, think of their telecom costs as they do about taxes or energy cost: an unavoidable burden with few or no alternatives to consider.

How not to choose a new telecom supplier?

The big difference in prices between KPN and the alternative suppliers causes some people to look constantly for the lowest price. It is, of course, nice to always have the “lowest price” but actually it is impractical.

Why is KPN so expensive?

New customers sometimes ask us; “How come that your prices are so low?” We always answer; “It is not our prices that are low, it is KPN that is expensive.”

Then, of course, comes the second question; “Why is the KPN so expensive?” The answer is simple but a bit long. So I decided to write it down once and for all.

How do I check my telephone bill?

Checking your telephone bill is important. Telecom companies do make mistakes and you should be able to find these mistakes so that you will not pay too much. Colleagues, friends and other people might use your telephone without you knowing and without you being aware of these costs. Internal and external fraud can also result in very high cost.

History of the telephone part 1

The first patent on the telephone was registered on February 14th 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell. On the same day, two hours later, a second patent was registered by Elisha Gray. Thomas Edison registered his patent on the telephone on May 16th 1876.

History of the telephone part 2

Meucci could not get people interested in his “Teletrophone”. Bell had the same problem but he had better connections and managed to find an excellent team to work with him on his new invention. He started production of telephones on a very small scale, about 50 units, but found it difficult to market them. Nobody saw the tremendous potential of the telephone.

Important links

OPTA