Availability, quality, and use of telecommunications and transport systems are keys to global socioeconomic development in the 21st century, but the extent and diversity of use of these systems hinge on the ease and quality of access to local networks by a pool of users. Since they are commonly used, these networks require public attention to sustain an optimal level and ensure the smooth integration of a variety of distances, modes, and services. While for economic efficiency and technological development purposes it may be important to have private providers of individual components, the efficient planning, coordination, and method of recovery of common network costs for the entire system require public oversight. The transport and telecommunications systems also interact, as substitutes or as complements, having long-run ramifications for the spatial configuration of economic activity and the long-term use of this infrastructure.
Abstract