Telecommunications and Economic Development

The recent telecommunications revolution has led to considerable changes in the attitudes and strategies of policymakers, operating enterprises and international development organizations. Earlier regarded as a mere component of infrastructure, telecommunications have become a strategic factor of economic development at all levels, from individual firms to entire countries. This second edition contains updated statistical tables and some new ones. Case material has been replaced and expanded where necessary, to reflect more recent experiences. The chapters on pricing now emphasize practical approaches to setting tariffs, as well as reflecting the shift of regulatory attention from costs to prices. The material on technology and costs was rewritten to accommodate continuing innovation. The issues and quantitative techniques discussed in the first edition are now receiving attention in industrial countries, where efforts are under way to redevelop rural areas and inner cities, and to create new competitive advantages in states or provinces where traditional industries are declining.
In the areas of policy, structure and regulation of the sector, a body of literature is developing and the final chapter serves as a bibliographical guide.