The telegraph revolutionized the sending and receiving of messages. Prior to the development of the telegraph, messages were sent through techniques such as the use of smoke signals and drumbeats. In other civilizations, horses and messengers were sent to deliver letters. These messengers were exposed to long and treacherous journeys to and from their destination. These methods were limited by different physical and environmental factors. The introduction of the telegraph helped address these challenges.

The telegraph only required that the signal lines remain connected. Thus, compared to messengers and smoke signals, which were affected by the weather, the telegraph was a more reliable mode of communication.

The telegraph allowed for communications over long distances. The technology connected different areas and regions, and geographical movement was not required to send or receive messages. It allowed for the interconnection of towns, which served as stations, and enabled the system to cover a wider area.

The telegraph made it faster to send short messages. For instance, people in distress and seeking help would punch in the short distress code, and the message would be immediately received by the target miles away.