Can communications development benefit the Third World?

Awareness of the potential of communications technologies in the less developed countries has led to considerable interest and activity in communications development in the Third World. The author puts the subject in perspective, balancing the arguments in favour of extensive development against the arguments of the critics. He concludes that the major problem lies in the fact that Third World countries lack market mechanisms whereby user preferences and needs can be expressed. He points out essential factors that should be taken into account before the selection of a particular technological solution or course of development.