The policy relevance of this indicator is that telecommunications and social, economic, and institutional development are closely linked. Modern communications is considered to be relatively benign to the environment. There is unlikely to be sustainable development without a well-developed communications infrastructure.
Communications is critical to support sustainable development.
The linkages between this indicator and other sustainable development indicators are many. For instance, a well- developed communication infrastructure will reduce the need for transport with beneficial effects on the environment. Another example is the requirement of telecommunications for the innovative delivery of health and educational services. Yet another example is the potential of telecommunications for reducing economic and social gaps within an economy and assisting to reduce the need for urbanization. Access to telecommunications provides those in rural and remote areas with contact to the outside world, reducing their sense of isolation and providing them with a tool to improve economic, social and cultural awareness.