This paper describes some of the advances in telecommunications technology that can be anticipated during the 1980's in the areas of computer and component technologies, computer influences on telecommunications systems and services, communications terminals, transmission and switching systems, and local distribution. Specific topics covered include the computer on a chip, memory devices, and input-output devices; substitution of information processing for transmission, digital communications, communications mixing, integration of information processing and communication functions, and evolution of communications terminals; office and home communications terminals; communications satellites, optical fiber transmission, microwave and cable transmission, and switching technologies; and telephone wire pairs, coaxial cable television, mobile communications, and optical fibers. (CMV)