analysis model and frame- work and the broadband telecommunications infrastructure. Chapter 3 introduces Voice Communications and is followed by Chapter 4 on Information Theory, a fundamental background to the digital broadband telecommunications system in use today. Chapters 5-8 are about how information is processed and communicated digitally. Three principal broad- band communications systems: fixed, wireless and satellite are discussed in Chapters 9-11, followed by a discussion on complementary personal telecommunications systems in Chapter 12. Chapter 13 discusses a terrestrial wireless network infrastructure, and is followed by a discussion on how content business provides the traffic that flows over these networks in Chapter 14. Case studies and historical notes are used throughout the book to illustrate the technology, business and policy issues, and synthesise their relative interdependence and importance. These are further intended to enhance discussion in a classroom setting, as well as assist individual learning. Introduction Preview Questions How do technology, business and policy considerations matter to the telecommuni- cations industry? How does the telecommunications industry feature in the global economy? In recent years, which industry segment has filed the largest number of patents? What are the reasons for the phenomenal growth in the number of broadband subscribers in recent years? How may a broadband content/service provision functions and structure be characterised? Learning Objectives An historical overview of the telecommunications industry An overview of the current state of the telecommunications industry An introduction to the technology-business-policy framework An introduction to the content/service, retail, infrastructure model for analysing broadband telecommunications businesses An introduction to telecommunications management and information and information technology management fields Broadband Telecommunications Technologies and Management, First Edition. Riaz Esmailzadeh. © 2