Developing World Lags Behind as UN dubs Broadband new "Utility"

DEVELOPING WORLD LAGS BEHIND AS UN DUBS BROADBAND NEW "UTILITY"
[SOURCE: , AUTHOR: William French]
Broadband Internet access is becoming so vital for businesses that it can be seen as a new utility comparable to water and electricity, the United Nation's Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said in a report. The growing importance of high speed Internet access is "disturbing news" for the developing world where broadband access is scarce, because technology is exerting an ever greater influence on global business trends, UNCTAD warned. Developing countries also often lack the necessary infrastructure to provide the service at a reasonable price, the report said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061116/tc_afp/technologyittelecomtradepovertyunctad

* See "Information Economy Report 2006" highlights:
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=7576&intItemID=3991&lang=1&mode=highlights