Telecommunication Planning for Rural Development

The major premise of this paper is that telecommunication services can play Important roles in rural development. The authors argue that the implementation of a telecommunication infrastructure should be a high priority for development planners. An analysis is presented of the application of telecommunication in rural economic development, sociopolitical organization, and the extension of basic social services. The authors cite examples of applications of two-way audio communication and conference-circuits for remote areas. The advantages of satellites for providing telecommunication services to rural settlements are presented, and communication policy options for developing regions are outlined.