Edwin B Parker
There are a number of barriers to be overcome in order to succeed in developing Third World telecommunications markets. In the process, it is important to understand the way in which telecommunications contributes to Third World economic development. Investment in telecommunications infrastructure does not guarantee development but is a necessary complement to most development activities. In order to make possible these development benefits and, in the process, benefit from this opportunity, it is necessary to develop and market technology appropriate to providing solutions to Third World problems. In order to ensure installation and operation in Third World countries, it may be necessary to use innovative institutional arrangements in addition to selling to the traditional voice telephone company. One of the huge barriers to be overcome is the Third World debt crisis, a partial solution to which may be necessary if large Third World markets are to be developed. The global payoff for overcoming these barriers and getting expanded Third World networks operational is huge.