This overview of educational telecommunications and distance learning in Connecticut includes information on the Connecticut Department of Education and the Connecticut Public Television statewide, two-channel, ITFS (instructional television fixed service); the Connecticut Community College system's Community College Instructional Television microwave-delivered educational network; and the Area Cooperative Educational Services bi-directional, fully interactive educational services using electronic mail and video conferencing. Issues involved in maintaining quality of educational programming standards through regulation by the Department of Public Utility Control, as prescribed by proposed state legislation, Public Act 92-146, are then discussed. The report also describes the trial of the Southern New England Telephone (SNET) video distance learning program, "Links to Learning," from 1988-1990; current collaboration of SNET with the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) in sponsoring the "Learning Tomorrow" program, an outgrowth of "Links to Learning"; the prospects of cable company involvement; the evolution of fiber optic cable; and opportunities for fiber optic cable uses in education. Seven tables provide information on Connecticut CATV franchise holders and SNET "Links to Learning" school locations; diagrams of a basic network system, a two-way interactive classroom, and the evolution of fiber optics in cable; a list of cable classroom equipment costs and a four year acquisition plan; and a summary list of distance learning technologies. (Contains 31 references.) (ALF)