Is the communications link still missing?

Telecommunications infrastructure growth in the less-developed countries (LDCs) remains a critical problem not adequately addressed by international loan agencies. The traditional theories of communications development have been implemented with varying results and variations by newly industrialized economies and LDCs. This article discusses telecommunications development in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Arab nations and ways that structural adjustments at the ITU, World Bank and GATT can facilitate varying needs and assist with development imperatives in these nations.