Search results

Describes a project to link an entire town in the USA with a comprehensive “twenty‐first century” telecommunications infrastructure. Argues that this is a prototype for future “electronic villages”, which will encourage and nurture the development of applications. Emphasizes that the prototype will exemplify: first, inclusion of the whole community, to achieve a “critical mass”; second, focus on interactions between people, rather than technologies; third, provision of applications tailored to each type of user; and fourth, implementation on a timely basis. Provides examples of possible applications, with benefits to the community.

Discusses the telecommunications infrastructure of the USA and issues surrounding its restructuring. Describes the role and impact of broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in applications development and the societal implications of this change. Points out that global development of broadband technologies makes personal access to multimedia applications possible and promotes new information‐sharing partnerships. Argues for an holistic, ethical approach to future development of ISDN.