Steve, do you mean the electronic means of communications, or communicating things to people, or both?
Both...Please read this beginning post. Does it answer your question?
When a planet goes retrograde it appears to go backwards for a while and when it is stationary it slows down stops or pauses and then goes forward again. Its energy is more potent when it comes to a stationary area which will be about July 23rd. It was also slowing down and coming to a stop about the same time in June-late June around the 26th.
The Energy of planet is then more noticeable. Yet the whole retrograde process can be noticed. It just intensifies when it comes to a stationary area that is: where it slows down stops and then goes forward again.
Mercury will b retrograde for a time. It will b direct on July 23. Does anyone care to
disgust 
it? I have read that people having Virgo or Gemini planets are more sensitive to it. This is because Mercury shows rulership to these signs. Especially Gemini. I know that Comet has her Sun in Gemini. Starling has her Moon in Virgo.
Mercury goes retrograde approximately 3 times a year. So the areas where you will be most affected are where Gemini and Virgo are prominent in your chart. For instance: I have Gemini on the rise like Starling. So for me my environment has noticably slowed down. I've been getting a trailer fixed that somebody damaged. Another area to notice: People often recognize a shift in their mental process and attituded when Mercury goes retrograde.
Many astrologers say its not a good time to start a new project or new relationship. People change their minds, contracts are redone and there is miscommunication during Mercury retrograde periods. A lot of things that are started are put on hold.
I've read that Mercury rules such things as travel, cars, buses, all forms of communication, computers, contracts, cell phones telephones, dexterity, languages, journalists, mental pursuits, news, news papers, writing and publishing. I have had a lot of problems with the internet and my phone recently. Dropped calls and not being able to get on sites etc.
Mercury is going thru Cancer right now. I read Carol Rushman say that when Mercury stations in Cancer or in the fourth house: the mental energy will be sifted thru the emotions rather then the intellect, there is a heightened intuition, creativity is at an all time high, but over sensitivity must be guarded against. Family and home projects bring great satisfaction. Crying for no apparent reason and emotional outbreaks are common.
Midnite Astrologer
