On the matter of simple telephone lines, it wasn't just geography; it was economics, because there are still lines with no rock to go through, permanent houses that have been in existence for 60 years for whom the telecoms just don't feel it is worth their while to provide with service. Unfortunately, they rely upon cellphones and so on where available. So the new technologies don't necessarily improve the penetration, because of the geological obstacles. It is more enhancing the features for those who already have them.
On March 19th, 2013. See this statement in context.