Final answer:
The statement is true because WANs connect computers over long distances, often using telephone lines or other transmission methods. This connectivity has transformed economic activities and telecommunications, enabling the delivery of various services and ending monopolies like AT&T’s due to advancements in technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a wide area network includes computers that are far apart and are connected by telephone lines is true. Wide Area Networks (WANs) enable computers to connect over long distances using various transmission methods, including telephone lines, microwave transmission, and satellite links. This technology has vastly improved the management of long-distance economic connections, making it feasible to transport various valuable services, such as computer software and financial advice, efficiently and at decreased costs over these networks.
Moreover, with the evolution of technology, the means of providing telecommunications services have shifted from traditional wired connections to more advanced wireless systems like microwave and satellite transmission. This technological shift has led to the end of monopolies such as AT&T’s on long-distance services, allowing multiple firms to use the same wireless mechanisms for phone and data transmission. The development and expansion of cellular phone systems have further revolutionized local services.
These networks have become foundational for modern utilities and services, facilitating the rapid exchange of information and fostering greater international trade guided by agreements and treaties between countries.