Considers World Bank activity and goals in developing a telecommunications infrastructure in the Philippines. Suggests that "national" projects are best understood as part of the transnational economy and, for political and economic reasons, benefit the corporate players over the local population. (NKA)

Describes the nature and operations of Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). Argues that while Western European nations have advanced centralized planning for the introduction of ISDN, the United States is proceeding slowly because of a lack of universal standards and the state of deregulatory policy. (MM)

Surveys over 700 Iowa farmers regarding their use of teletext and videotex technologies. Finds that for younger, higher-income farmers, these technologies are emerging as a "best source" for relatively perishable or highly volatile information like market prices; otherwise, these technologies complement rather than replace existing…

Describes SeniorNet (an on-line communications network for older adults) and its evolution from a small on-line network to an expanding electronic community. Discusses why older adults connect with SeniorNet, reports network features they use while on-line, and outlines benefits and challenges of bringing telecommunications to older adults. (SR)

Discusses connections between the organization of communications and information facilities (focusing on technological innovations and "privatization"), and the nature of citizenship in Great Britain. Argues that when provision of information is entrusted to the privatized marketplace, then people's access to information becomes…

Examines various approaches to establishing nationally available videotext systems, in which text and graphics are offered to a mass audience on television screens with keypad converters. Asserts that a successful approach creates a hybrid between the competitive approach found in the United States and a state-encouraged system. (MM)

Describes two computer communication projects: PeaceNet, devoted to peace issues; and Public Data Access, devoted to making U.S. government information more broadly available. Discusses the potential of new technology (computer communication) for grass-roots political movements. (SR)

Describes the results of projects exploring the potential of information technology for delivering health care. Describes a proposed project coupling the telephone with computerized audiotext responses, which would provide elderly patients with information, contact, and reassurance. (SR)