de agents, resellers, electronic stores, and even telemarketing. With the industry growing so fast, it may make sense to use multiple distribution channels. http://tap.gallaudet.edu/hatfield.htmINTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT The World Trade Organization (WTO) adopted an agreement to open markets in February 1997 which were previously state-run monopolies. This agreement was implemented in February 1998. Overseas revenues are derived primarily from basic voice services. U.S. Telecos companies are looking overseas for additional growth since the U.S. market is slow-growing. Korea and China have good potential for substantial growth. Korea has two cellular companies that used CDMA technology and then added three companies that used PCS companies. China has relied on outdated GSM technology. GSM technology is less efficient because it cannot handle both voice and data. CDMA is a better technology for these types of applications. Japan uses CDMA technology and has not fully embraced PCS technology. To have a growing economy, a telecommunications infrastructure is a must. This is why we expect tremendous growth in the Pacific Rim region relative to the rest of the world. A telecommunications infrastructure is needed for stock market activity, mass media, and production/manufacturing activity to handle data and voice systems.INDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICS The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate common carrier communications, and individual state public utility commissions (PUCs) regulate communications within their jurisdictions. The FCC also regulates the use of radio frequencies by the U.S. telecommunications (telecom) industry through a system of spectrum allocation and licensing. Since the breakup of AT&T in 1984, the U.S. common carrier network has been divided into 161 local access transport areas (LATAs). Communications among LATAs are handled by long distance carriers, although ...
