The Economic Development Administration (EDA) requested working information to help determine national policy regarding the future course of telecommunications research and development as related to rural economic development. A review sought to identify various opinions, demonstrations, programs and proposed pilot projects which indicate that telecommunications technology can create significant impact upon rural living conditions. The review looked into: 1) the type of potential impacts that telecommunications technology is expected to create in rural areas; 2) the range of present institutional and federal interest and involvement in this area; 3) the major needs of rural areas; 4) significant pieces of proposed legislation and official federal agency mandates which can influence the implementation of telecommunications in rural areas; 5) the thinking of "informed experts" on the issue of telecommunications' potential impact upon rural development; and 6) tangible recommendations that can possibly accelerate the integration of telecommunications technology into major rural economic development schemes. Several findings and conclusions are reported along with recommendations for steps that need to be taken regarding legislation, regulation, public/private sectors, and the EDA's role in stimulating telecommunications technology on rural economic development. (HAB)