The global telecommunication industry reportedly generates over 1.4 trillion U.S. dollars every year. Telecommunications translation is a vital step for businesses hoping to expand into international markets, facilitating communication with customers, partners, and employees.
What does the telecoms industry look like?
Telecommunications, also known as telecoms, is defined as “the sending and receiving of messages over distance, especially by phone, radio, and television”.
As a truly global industry, the telecoms market can differ drastically between countries and regions. For example:
– The U.S. has approximately 260 million smartphone users, ranking in third place after China and India.
– Conversely, only 60% of internet access in the MENA region is done via smartphones.
– China’s internet users account for over one-fifth of internet users globally, with over 850 million people going online in the country.
A one-size-fits all business approach won’t work when expanding into international markets, nor will it work when communicating with global audiences.
Telecommunication translation explained
Telecom translation is undertaken by specialists who understand telecoms and can produce:
– Documents such as user guides or installation manuals.
– Digital texts, including programming information and user interfaces.
– Business and marketing materials for written and spoken use.
Telecommunications content can also be localized to boost customer engagement and user retention. Localization builds on translation, adapting elements of texts and visuals to ensure that they are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Business translation vs telecommunications translation
Business translation services are generally broader than telecom translation services. The former deals with any number of business documents and can even merge with legal and marketing translations at times.
Telecommunication translation, on the other hand, deals with specific jargon, acronyms (e.g. ADSL, SIP, VoIP), and typical types of documentation, and at times unique, to that industry. Telecoms translation can, however, incorporate aspects of business translation as needed.
Tips for translating telecoms materials
- Select an expert translator
The pace of innovation in the telecoms industry means that translators need to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology, industry news, mergers, and more. This also means keeping an up-to-date glossary of useful terms to provide consistency between texts. It is vital to manage the dictionary so that it stays relevant actively.
- Look into quality control processes
Telecommunications translation services, like all specialist sectors, needs to adhere to strict project management and quality control processes. The best translation companies will use the latest technologies and software to track, manage and assess translation and localization projects. This can help telecoms businesses to optimize their timescales and budgets.
- Know your audience
Or find someone who does. Localization is essential in making sure that your content resonates with your audience. Still, it can’t be done without the knowledge of the culture, trends, and consumer habits of the locale. Here at Future Trans, we specialize in translation and localization services into African and Middle Eastern languages.
Future trans and telecommunications: the perfect match
As an ISO 17100 certified company, our translators take pride in delivering the highest quality work. At future trans, we have worked with top telecommunication companies for over 24 years, helping them expand into international markets and making us leaders in our field.
Please send us a message to discuss your project.
