Combined multi-frequency electromagnetic and optical communication system

A communication system is provided that includes both an electromagnetic ("EM") communication device and an optical communication device including at least a machine readable symbol where at least a portion of the EM communication device and at least a portion of the machine readable' symbol are formed from the same material. This material may be, for example, a conductable ink or a conductable foil. If desired, the EM communication device may include an antenna where at least a portion of the antenna includes at least a portion of the machine readable symbol.