History of Telecommunications Telecommunication is the transmission of words, sounds, images, or data in the form of electronic or electromagnetic signals or impulses. Transmission media include the telephone, radio, television, microwave, and satellite. Data communication is the fastest growing field of telecommunication. Data communication is the process of transmitting data in digital form by wire or radio. Telecommunication has been around for many years. Even as far back as 490 BC. Telecommunication in some form or another has always been around. Starting from what is called a Drum Telegraph, to what is now ISDN. Or Integrated Services Digital Network.