Communication and information technologies can reduce the barriers of distance and space that disadvantage rural areas. This report defines a set of distinct voice, computer, and video telecommunication services; describes several rural information applications that make use of these services; and surveys various wireline and wireless systems and technologies that are being used or that might be used to deliver these services to rural areas. Rural information applications such as distance learning require a wide range of telecommunication services, but no current system or technology is capable of delivering all services to all areas. This report concludes that there are many technologies suitable for providing voice telecommunication services in rural areas. It is also technically feasible to provide advanced computer networking and video capabilities to even relatively small towns in rural areas. However, no available technology could economically provide these broadband capabilities to the most isolated farms, ranches, and homes. New wireless technology would be needed to accomplish this. Government regulations and policies will also play an essential role in the development of the Rural Information Infrastructure. Different regulations and policies will likely be required in rural areas than in urban areas. Contains 66 references. Appendices list acronyms and abbreviations and describe measurements of rural spectrum usage in the 108-MHz to 19.7-GHz frequency range, conducted at Eureka, California. (Author/SV).

The Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space held a hearing in Billings, Montana, on rural America's access to the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and uses of NII in the provision of rural education and services. An Assistant Secretary of Commerce discussed the development of the Internet, problems in rural access to the Internet and other information technologies, a federal grant program that helps rural communities to gain such access, and the effects of deregulation on rural access. A researcher outlined the potential impact of technology on rural schools, including opportunities for new distance learning models, for new models of student learning, and for improving teacher development. A health services administrator described the Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network, which delivers specialist physician consultation through video conferencing, delivers mental health consultative services, offers continuing medical and higher education programming to rural communities, and provides community outreach and telebusiness opportunities to geographically isolated communities. The computer systems and telecommunications director at Salish Kootenai College discussed the problems of providing telecommunications technology to tribal colleges on American Indian reservations and related problems involving rural telephone cooperatives, inadequate telephone service, and obsolete laws governing the delivery of utility services. Representatives of communications companies discussed the potential role of NII in promoting rural development and delivering rural services, and the need for continued Congressional action to support telecommunications competition. (SV)

The Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space held a hearing in Billings, Montana, on rural America's access to the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and uses of NII in the provision of rural education and services. An Assistant Secretary of Commerce discussed the development of the Internet, problems in rural access to the Internet and other information technologies, a federal grant program that helps rural communities to gain such access, and the effects of deregulation on rural access. A researcher outlined the potential impact of technology on rural schools, including opportunities for new distance learning models, for new models of student learning, and for improving teacher development. A health services administrator described the Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network, which delivers specialist physician consultation through video conferencing, delivers mental health consultative services, offers continuing medical and higher education programming to rural communities, and provides community outreach and telebusiness opportunities to geographically isolated communities. The computer systems and telecommunications director at Salish Kootenai College discussed the problems of providing telecommunications technology to tribal colleges on American Indian reservations and related problems involving rural telephone cooperatives, inadequate telephone service, and obsolete laws governing the delivery of utility services. Representatives of communications companies discussed the potential role of NII in promoting rural development and delivering rural services, and the need for continued Congressional action to support telecommunications competition. (SV)

This publication is intended to help community leaders launch KickStart initiatives to bring their communities onto the information superhighway. Contents: connecting people and communities to the information superhighway (realizing the benefits; highlighting the ingredients of success; showcasing success tories); a leadership guide to getting there (identifying costs and sources of funding); resource on intellectual property, privacy and security; resources for communities (print and online resources; examples of acceptable use policies).

Scientific Study from the year 2012 in the subject Business economics - Information Management, Kampala International University (-), course: -, language: English, abstract: Abstract Information and Communication Technology as well as its use, have become a crucial strategic instrument on resource management and decision making. Therefore, it has called various individual attentions, especially in research and management. The study current study attempts to examine efforts deployed on ICT by stakeholders towards rural resource management. The discussion is mainly involved on major outcome of ICT strategies to improve the rural life. For instance the government efforts through ICT policy implementation, strategies, level of infrastructure developed and their impact on rural resource management. The finding shows that despite the critical measures taken against ICT infrastructures and human resource development. But, the government including the rural stakeholders is still facing challenges on full utilization of ICT in resources management. Hence, in order to improve ICT infrastructures and enjoy the proper use of ICT services on resources management. It needs multidimensional approach towards ICT functions and user involvement to arrest the poor practices and failures on the technology. Therefore, the study recommended the use of education and training to achieve sustainability of ICT performance. This is to maintain the quality information supply chain in order to reduce management costs/risks related to failure on data/ information access. Keywords: ICT infrastructures, rural resources, challenges, ICT identifiable indicators