Definition: Communications services

Category: Balance of payments

Communication Services covers two main categories of international communications transactions between residents and non-residents:(i) telecommunications, which encompass the transmission of sound, images, or other information by telephone, telex, telegram, cable, broadcasting, satellite, electronic mail, facsimile services, etc: and include business network services, teleconferencing, and support services; and (ii) postal and courier services, which encompass the pick-up, transport and delivery of letters, newspapers, periodicals, brochures, other printed matter, parcels, and packages by national postal administration ad other operators. Also included are post office counter and mailbox rental services.