This paper provides an overview of developments in optical fibre communication technology and investment. It finds that the costs of deploying these networks are significant and that the monthly prices subscribers will pay will be highly dependent on take-up rates.

After a massive international campaign calling attention to the development impact of foreign debt, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative is now underway. But will the HIPC Initiative meet its high expectations? Will debt relief substantially raise growth? How do we make sure...