I remember working at a phone company around 1999-2001. Some folks were just getting landlines. I'm pretty sure the same folks are slow to get decent quality internet and decent cell service. Even then, finding a job without telephone service was difficult. Similar situations occur without proper communication now.

Similar problems exist when folks lack sanitary conditions or mass transit proves to be completely inadequate or doesn't exist. At best, the sanitation easily means folks become sick more easily - which can push folks into poverty because the health care infrastructure and care isn't where it should be.

Now, I don't have facts to back these up, but they aren't exactly insane ideas either.