Telecosm

More about the book

The computer age has concluded, giving rise to the telecosm—an era defined by advanced communications technology. While chips and software remain essential, the focus has shifted to communication power, or bandwidth, which is rapidly expanding and reshaping our social and economic landscape. George Gilder, a prominent technological visionary, adeptly predicts these shifts, emphasizing the significance of bandwidth over chip speed. His foresight includes the rise of fiber and wireless optics, the decline of traditional telephony, and the surge of handheld devices. Gilder's insights have consistently outperformed even the most optimistic market predictions, making his work indispensable for understanding the current communication revolution. This exploration combines science, business history, social analysis, and predictions about the future. It highlights the profound changes that will outstrip those brought by the personal computer. Gilder argues that computers will become less central as their functions migrate online, while low-flying satellites will make handheld devices ubiquitous. He predicts the decline of television, a revival of print media, and a transformation in advertising. The narrative introduces key innovators, from laser pioneers to fiber optics trailblazers, showcasing the technologies that will become as fundamental as air. This work is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the monumental shifts occurring i