The term "phone lines" refers to the physical wires or cables that are used to transmit voice communication between two points. These phone lines can be made up of copper, fiber optic, or other materials and can range in length from short connections within a building to long distance connections spanning thousands of miles. In addition to carrying voice signals, modern phone lines also carry data and internet traffic. The phrase "phone lines" is often used interchangeably with the term "telephone service," which refers to the provision of telecommunication services including both the infrastructure of phone lines and the equipment needed for using them.