the first World Telecomunication Development Report was launched at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina in March 2004. The picture on the cover was drawn by Chomchon Fusinpaiboon (10) of Thailand to commemorate the launching of Thailand's first communications satellite, Thaicom, on 17 December 1993. It reflects the four themes discussed in thereport: globalisation, technology, restructuring and development. Satellites circling the earth providing communications from one distant point to another are one aspect of globalisation. The growing service capabilities of satellites reflect technological change. The Thaicom satellite is operated under concession from the Thai government reflecting restructuring in the telecommunication sector to allow private participation. Finally, the Thai satellite reflects steps taken by developing countries to bridge the telecommunications development gap with developed countries.
