High-speed, wireless data communication through a column of wellbore fluid

A communication system comprises: (A) a first transmitter that is acoustically coupled to a column of fluid located within a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well, wherein the first transmitter transmits sound waves wirelessly through the column of fluid located within the wellbore, and wherein the sound waves are encoded with data; and (B) a first receiver that is acoustically coupled to the column of fluid located within the wellbore, wherein the first receiver receives the data-encoded sound waves, wherein the data-encoded sound waves communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore. A method of communicating information wirelessly in a wellbore of an oil, gas, or water well comprises: providing the communication system; and causing or allowing the first transmitter to communicate information about the well or a component of the wellbore to the first receiver via the data-encoded sound waves.