Telecommunications infrastructure and economic and social development

The "information age" is characterized by new forms of technology that enable people to communicate instantaneously around the world. Since the telephone first emerged, this capability has become increasingly ubiquitous. The global diffusion of telecommunications infrastructure has profound implications for both economic and social development. This thesis examines the impact of telecommunications infrastructures using both regression and correlation statistical analysis. In addition, the case study of Singapore is used to develop a better understanding of the impact of telecommunications on social and economic development through qualitative analysis. The contention of this thesis is that telecommunications infrastructures are a facilitator of economic development. In the case of social development, different results are asserted. Depending on how telecommunications infrastructures are used, this type of capability can either facilitate, have no impact on, or hinder social development.