ALASKA'S DECISION TO UTILIZE SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS IS SAID TO NECESSITATE COORDINATED AND COOPERATIVE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE RURAL COMMUNITIES WITH GUIDANCE IN THE FORMULATION OF LONG-RANGE COMMUNICATIONS PLANS. EIGHT RURAL COMMUNITIES WERE CHOSEN WHICH ARE SAID TO BEST ULLUSTRATE THE GEOGRAPHIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CULTURAL CROSS-SECTION OF ALASKA. STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES WERE CONTACTED IN ANALYZING THE PROBLEM. INDIVIDUAL FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR EACH OF THE 8 TOWNS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE STATE TAKE RURAL NEEDS INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATE POLICE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS. IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT ALASKA DEVELOP A TELEPHONE SYSTEM AND FACILITIES CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING RELIABLE SERVICE TO ALL BUSH COMMUNITIES; PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS REGARDING THE USE OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES; AND ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE PROGRAM FOR CENTRALIZED PURCHASE OR UNIFORM PRICING FOR ALL PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR ACHIEVING THESE GOALS.