Information gaps in rural America : Telecommunications policies for rural development

This article discusses the challenges facing the US telecommunications industry in the context of rapid changes affecting the rural economy. The structural shift in the national economy towaeds services and information based activities has generally worked to the disadvantage of rural areas. Improving the provision of telecommunication services could help overcome their handicaps and improve the efficiency and productivity of rural business, but it will be necessary to extend access to telecommunication services and improve switching systems and transmission quality. The article concludes with a set of policy goals and recommendations addressed to federal and state government institutions.