Telecommunications

Telecommunications in Ourvo have advanced considerably over the past hundred years, but there are still a lot of gaps in global communication.

About 30 years ago (in the year 1048) the first commercial computer network, Webwork, was launched in several major metropolitan areas in the Commonwealth of Goldenrod. It uses the technology that the Merritian military and university system uses to communicate rapidly; in 1057 this technology was made public domain and declassified.

Webwork allows for texts, photos and videos to be sent across phone lines between computers, and in the late 1050s and early 1060s many companies imitated the technology and set up their own networks.

In more recent times the Webwork has bought out many of these companies, and some other networks have protocols to link to the Webwork, but even today only about 15 percent of the world's online users, mostly in Western civilization have full access to Webwork. For this reason electric lettersenders (telegraphs and faxes) still find a considerable amount of use, as some people cannot communicate to certain people's computers, especially when it comes to people abroad.

Television was invented around 1005 and nearly every nation has at least one major network, although a few countries still broadcast only in black and white. The Auld Countries produce the highest quality and most popular television shows (the most famous being the long-running oddball 1060s comedy series Proper Tea), although Merritt produces most of the world's popular movies.

Radio is also very popular, and as recorded music still tends to be expensive and it's still difficult to distribute music on computer networks, most people get their music from the radio. Most modern cities in the Free world have at least eight radio stations, several of which usually tend to play local talent.