It never caught on". Instead, said Gates, the electronic communications protocols that form the backbone of the Internet became more popular and gained a critical mass of users.
This pernicious and growing problem can occur over any form of electronic communications and via a variety of platforms.
"In the course of the task force's ensuing work, it became aware of evidence — primarily in the form of electronic communications and taped conversations — that raised questions about the integrity of the marks," the report said.
Wi-Fi access is blocked in Vatican City and wireless signal jammers are deployed at the Sistine Chapel to prevent any form of electronic communications to or from the Cardinal electors.
The cash shortfall reflects a six-year decline in mail volume, because of businesses and individuals moving, at a faster pace than the Postal Service expected, to online bill paying, e-mail and other forms of electronic communications.
In this modern age, of course, those communications can include any of the various forms of electronic communications and social media now available, including text messages (by mobile carriers or via social media) and emails.
In private sessions with the governors, they have argued that the agency could "crash and burn" unless it quickly spends billions on new equipment to successfully compete with the growing competition from e-mail and other forms of electronic communications.
Although it has returned to profit, its letters business is in what many would see as terminal decline, because of the unstoppable rise of assorted forms of electronic communications, and its healthier parcels operation is subject to serious competition.
The move comes as increasing numbers of Americans are turning away from the telephone to use chat, text, email and other forms of electronic communications and as Americans debate larger questions about surveillance in the digital age.
HAKOM grants, evaluates and revokes broadcast licenses for all forms of electronic communications in Croatia, approves mergers of communications-industry companies, imposes fines on those who are found to be in breach of applicable regulation and conducts constant supervision of the industry.
