PPPI Resource Library: Telecommunications (go back)

		Telecommunications Title: Financing information and communication infrastructure needs in the developing world - public and private roles Author(s): World Bank Infrastructure Vice Presidency Posted Date: Monday, May 21, 2007 Keywords: capacity building, Deregulation, Independent regulation, infrastructure projects, private sector, Privatization, public-private partnerships, regulatory environment, Telecommunications Infrastructure, telecommunications services Copyrights: Copyright © 2005 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank Type: File Decription: Two competing assumptions regarding the build-out of information and communications infrastructure (ICI) in developing countries are that “the private sector alone is enough” and “the government must take the lead role.” In fact, these notions present a false dichotomy. The private sector and governments both have crucial roles to play in ensuring that a growing percentage of the population of the developing world can access the tools of modern communications. This report makes clear that private-sector led growth has revolutionized access to telecommunications services around the world over the past ten years, with every region of the developing world benefiting in terms of investment and rollout. At the same time, without government reform and oversight, such a revolution would have been impossible. Furthermore, the report shows that there is more to be done to ensure that poor and remote populations are not excluded from all access, and that governments, enterprises, civil society, and workers in developing countries can affordably access the more advanced Download File: Financing information and communication infrastructure needs in the developing world - public and private roles.pdf (677K)