A one-to-one network of communication, labeled SYSTEM-3, will come into being as a result of the demands of the public for information. In general, this form of communication system serves an asymmetric communication need--the user supplies a group of control signals that modulates the automatic flow of large amounts of information from a central store. SYSTEM-3 will be able to collect data from many identified points and to direct information from the center to some specified subset of the connected terminals. This paper describes SYSTEM-3 and considers some of its applications: individualized instruction and education, special information and inquiry centers, two-way files generated by the user population, public distribution of materials, interactive entertainment to increase involvement, creative interaction and experimentation, provision of computer access to the individual citizen, polling, and interactive advertising. Following the discussion of applications, the receiver-terminal and the interconnection of SYSTEM-3 centers to form a network are described in greater detail, and a final section considers the organizational, regulatory, and technological activities which must be undertaken for SYSTEM-3 to be realized. (SH)