Telecommunications in Urban Public Services

This paper surveys present municipal communications, the potential for interactive modes in municipal communication systems, and some illustrative applications of the new cable systems for governmental and public service communications. Constraints which will inhibit some applications in the near future are summarized. Many diverse and competing interests will interact in the evolution of the new cable systems and the development of plans for controlling their operation. It is not assured that the public interest will be adequately represented or well served in this process.