Even more important in bridging the information gap is economic development itself. Manufacturing as well as services are now information-hungry industries. As I have said, modern communications hold out hope of generating better and more highly paid jobs for the peoples of developing countries. Employment opportunities are already growing in data processing and software development. For individuals to reap the benefits of expanded employment and for emerging industries to become competitive, they need the best telecommunications systems that modern technology can offer.
Inefficient telecommunications are a tax on the whole economy.
The 114 national schedules of the GATS specify the services on which governments have guaranteed market access and national treatment, and at what level. The commitments, like the rules of the framework, are legally binding and enforceable under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. The objective of the basic telecoms negotiations is to secure market opening commitments from as many countries as possible. The commitments will involve the introduction of competition into the sector by removing restrictions which now prevent or make difficult a supply of services by foreign companies. Negotiators are also discussing commitments that concern the telecoms regulatory environment.