communications utility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communications utility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to services or infrastructure that facilitate communication, such as telecommunications or internet services. Example: "The city is investing in a new communications utility to improve internet access for all residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

At "UtiCo," a communications utility, the number was 33%.

Harvard Business Review

He said regulation, particularly in Europe, was not an answer to the challenge, and it was not appropriate to act as if Twitter and its competitors were a type of communications utility that needed the sort of oversight imposed on broadcasters and telecoms carriers.

The Guardian - Tech

Is Twitter a communications utility or a social network?

Duke University

Messenger has positioned itself as a core communications utility for the world.

TechCrunch

Yik Yak want to be the world's unfiltered anonymous back channel — an important communications utility.

TechCrunch

If Facebook is a platform (which it now is), then WhatsApp will continue to be a communications utility.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Using smart-grid communications, utilities could send signals to electricity consumers to reduce demand during cloudy, windless periods, in return for some sort of compensation.

MIT Technology Review

The propagation of the alert is made through a range of communication means: radio, television, sirens, landlines and cell phones, social media including Twitter, and, if electrical power and communications utilities are blacked-out, through an alternative opportunistic network.

Safety Science

"After a quiet week, we received reports tonight that Libyans in Tripoli were suddenly unable to use various Internet communications utilities.

TechCrunch

There is great worry in industry that major hacks such as those of Sony Pictures and Target could be just the beginning of a new era of danger, and in terms of national infrastructure, the high level of digitization of communications, utilities and beyond poses an ever greater threat of key services being disabled or controlled by others.

Forbes

Meanwhile, the number of private contractors working for the U.S. in Iraq in sectors such as security, communications, utilities, and commerce is estimated at 100,000.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the role of a platform like Facebook or Twitter, consider if "communications utility" accurately reflects its function or if "social network" or "platform" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "communications utility" too broadly. It implies a core infrastructure-like role; ensure the service being described truly functions as a fundamental communication service rather than just an application or feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communications utility" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to categorize a service or platform that is fundamental to communication, similar to public utilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "communications utility" is a noun phrase used to describe services or infrastructures that are fundamental to communication. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news media and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the service genuinely functions as a core communication service, akin to a public utility. Consider alternatives like "telecommunications service" or "messaging platform" depending on the specific context. The phrase's usage often carries implications of regulation or essential infrastructure status. Examples from Ludwig show the phrase used in relation to various Internet services and platforms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

telecommunications service

Focuses specifically on the telecommunications aspect, implying a broader range of communication technologies.

communication service provider

Highlights the provider aspect, emphasizing the entity offering the communication service.

messaging platform

Specifically refers to platforms used for sending and receiving messages.

connectivity infrastructure

Emphasizes the underlying infrastructure that enables communication.

information network

Focuses on the network aspect of information sharing and communication.

digital communication channel

Highlights the digital aspect of the communication medium.

online communication tool

Emphasizes the tool or instrument used for online communication.

network communication system

More technical and highlights the systematic aspect of network communication.

virtual communication platform

Focuses on the virtual or digital environment where communication occurs.

electronic communication medium

Highlights the electronic nature of the communication medium.

FAQs

How can I use "communications utility" in a sentence?

You might say, "The government is considering regulating the internet as a "communications utility" to ensure net neutrality".

What's a good alternative to "communications utility"?

Depending on the context, you could use "telecommunications service", "communication service provider", or simply "messaging platform".

Is it accurate to describe social media as a "communications utility"?

While social media platforms facilitate communication, the term "communications utility" often implies a more essential and regulated service. Consider if "social network" or "online platform" is a better fit.

What distinguishes a "communications utility" from a regular communication service?

A "communications utility" typically implies a fundamental service essential for public communication, similar to water or electricity, often suggesting a need for regulation or universal access. A general "communication service" may not carry the same implication of essential infrastructure.