Development of national communication systems [Introduction to the following four papers]

The distinguished speakers who follow will describe the very varied conditions which exist in their countries. For example, you will learn about the wide territories to be covered in Australia, the long distances between main cities, and the small density of population over very large areas. You will hear how isolation increases the critical need for communication. We will learn about the urgent need for many more telephones in India where the population density is very great and the need for mass communication acute. From Italy we will hear about the successful efforts made to accelerate traffic and the special problems of the long circuits along the peninsula. From Sweden we will learn that, in spite of the very large number of telephones per person, there is still a noticeable waiting period for obtaining a telephone. Although this is a success story it shows how the very broad use of the telephone has brought about problems. The great demand for telephones indicates that Sweden will move even further ahead in telephone usage. Let us hear from the leaders of communications progress as they report on National Networks.