BROAD-BAND-ISDN - PERSONAL CONNECTIONS TO GLOBAL RESOURCES

Technology is forcing a metamorphosis in the telecommunications industry that is leading to the repackaging of services accessible through an individual's communications outlets (telephone, computer, and television). This article discusses the telecommunications infrastructure and issues surrounding its restructuring, the role and impact of broadband ISDN in applications development, and the societal implications of this change. Through global development of broadband technologies, personal access to and delivery of multimedia applications promote new information-sharing partnerships. However, the development of an integrated communications network requires a more holistic aproach, one that encompasses more than purely technological contributions.