The Telephone Connection
Wilson P. Jr. Dizard, S. Blake Swensrud · 2019
Mikhail Gorbachev&s;s high-tech initiatives are heavily dependent on his ability to deal with a familiar technology—telephones and the networks that connect them. Such networks are the framework within which telephones, data banks, and other specialized services link computers to users. Consumer communications—beginning with simple access to a telephone— has had low priority, despite official statements to the contrary. The resolution makes a special point of saying that "not less than 75 percent" of the new telephones provided for in the expansion will be assigned to "the population," a vague formulation suggesting that consumer needs are being considered. The chronic shortage of personal telephones places heavy reliance on public telephones. Long lines are a common sight at telephone kiosks and at telephone offices where intercity calls are placed. The Soviet telecommunications system must be further upgraded to handle the chores allotted it under the new Gorbachev high-tech initiatives.