Electronic Byways: State Policies For Rural Development Through Telecommunications

Many rural communities are experiencing an economic decline for which there is no obvious or easy remedy. Concerned community and state government leaders must seek new ways to forestall structural decline and construct a new economic vision for themselves. And, given the dynamics of today's global economy, any plan for economic development must provide links to national and international economies.In this groundbreaking study, rural development and communications policy scholars explore the role modern rural telecommunications infrastructures can play in facilitating these goals. The authors illustrate the ways advanced telecommunications can, in combination with strategic community development planning, serve as a catalyst for economic growth. In this regard, they provide prescriptive policy recommendations for governors, state legislatures, economic development departments, state telecommunications regulatory commissions, and the telecommunications industry.