Satellite Interconnection and Distance Delivery in Alaska: Toward the 21st Century. Summary and Recommendations of the Satellite Interconnection Project under the Direction of the Telecommunications Information Council.

The Satellite Interconnection Project was created for the purpose of investigating the interest and need for improved interconnection, faster and of greater capacity than the capability of present systems, especially among Alaska state-supported users of video and audio transmissions. The intent was to explore the cost-benefit and the potential improvement in the quality and range of services supported by the state. It was anticipated that through the use of advanced telecommunications, the state would realize significant savings, improved productivity, and more meaningful levels of service for Alaskans in K-12 education, University of Alaska courses, state agency training, public broadcasting, and other applications. The Satellite Interconnection Project would consolidate state-supported distance delivery and put in place the first phase of such an integrated system by the summer of 1995, bringing together private, public, state, and federal planning and investment. This collection of reports summarizes the research, studies, consulting, multitude of site visits and face-to-face meetings, and recommendations to and endorsement of the Telecommunications Information Council for further planning and implementation. A summary of the Satellite Interconnection Project to date is given. Proceedings are provided from the Telecommunications Forum II meeting in October 1994, including: assessing the state environment for infrastructure development; the planning process to date; Delphi study; other states' efforts; ongoing interconnection: current status of 5 projects; building on the present infrastructure; and next steps and later phases. Appendices include: "TIC Endorsement for Further Planning Work"; "Delphi Study Final Report, School of Business, University of Alaska"; "Other States' Comparisons: 'Satellite Interconnection Planning Project'"; "The National Information Infrastructure: Agenda for Action"; "Selected 1993 State Telecommunications Legislation"; and "Telecommunications Forum I, 'Visions of Alaska's Future,' March, 1993." (MAS)