US international telecommunications, 1961-88: An international movement model

Data on US outgoing international telephone calls for 1961-88 were analysed using stepwise regression analysis, so that data for all other two-way movements served as independent variables. This international movement model was found to explain annual growth for the period 1965-79 only - a period typified by growing demand and improved technology. In the 1980s several major technological and organizational changes occurred, to which movements and demands have not yet adjusted. Incoming tourism and foreign investments were the dominant movements explaining growth in calls. A regional analysis to most frequently called nations shows the Pacific Rim emerging in first rank. ISDN deployment may produce a return to a demand-dominated equilibrium.