How deregulation changed the telecommunications industry.

The deregulation of the telecommunications industry has converted local and long-distance monopolies into very competitive communications-services suppliers. According to economists, the industry survived and even succeeded in the deregulated environment by following a number of rules. These include offering better service at a lower rate, addressing the challenges inherent in the competitive market, forging deals with important customers, dealing with customers as if each one of them is an important customer and focusing on the provision of customer solutions instead of merely offering service. Telecommunications companies also expanded their market by integrating services, examining and recommending the best solution to business problems, and training managers and employees regarding the services, customers and the industry. These rules also apply to the electric industry since electric utilities are also being deregulated like the telecommunications industry.