Optical fibre technology for developing countries-the advantages and disadvantages

The authors begin with a review of the role of the Centre for Telecommunications Development and of the relationship between telecommunications investment and economic growth. The application of optical fibre technology to developing countries is reviewed in terms of its role in the telecommunications network of a developing country, the market for, and current/planned use of the technology in the telecommunications networks of a selection of developing countries. The requirements for optical fibre transmission systems in the developed world are reviewed and the additional requirements for their use in the developing world discussed. The economic advantage of optical fibre transmission over other transmission media is discussed. The need to provide education and training in the area of optical fibre technology is identified