The OECD countries want to sign. The developing countries agree to sign if WTO amends its trade rules. The negotiations are assisted by the development of translation software. By allowing free testing and practically free individual usage, the software becomes widespread and allows speakers of many languages to take part in the debate. Faced with these developments, many developing governments take a more positive stance toward ICTs and their use for social and economic development.
Some countries take an even bolder step.
Instead of wondering how ICTs can support their existing development policies, they decide to treat ICTs or, rather, information and communications as the starting point for development. This novel approach opens the floodgates to a whole new set of policies. It also enables the developing countries to talk on equal terms with the OECD countries. The principles of equity, open access, and fair accounting that dominate telecommunications policy become the new management fashion. They set the tone in other sectors including education and health care.