Telecommunications: State of the World

摘要

The 1990s witnessed worldwide expansion in telecommunications fueled by the rapid embrace of wireless communications, the explosive growth of the Internet, and the need for high-speed data communications. Over the decade, communications technology has been transformed from analog to digital and has seen impressive growth in wireless communications for mobile voice, data, Internet access, and paging. The telecommunications sector has experienced deregulation and liberalization on a mass scale thanks to the successful example of early believers and by pressure from the World Trade Organization (WTO) on would-be members. The telecom industry has withstood a plethora of new entrants in virtually every segment of the market―terrestrial and undersea fiber network builders, satellite communication consortia, Internet service providers, wireless network carriers, cable TV operators, communication software suppliers and communication device manufacturers. Today, consolidation is rampant as companies seek to expand through acquisition. Technology convergence, infrastructure convergence, and industry convergence proceed as the Internet, telecommunications, computers, and media sectors form mergers, alliances, and joint ventures to make the most of new economy opportunities. While these are exciting times for North America, Europe and even parts of Asia, many developing countries are becoming increasingly marginalized as they find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.