The Educational Satellite Communications Demonstration (ESCD) is described from two perspectives: primarily, as a guide for future investment in satellite television based on user reaction to the technology; and secondarily, as a guide for future investment in demonstrations in general based on ESCD's planning, funding, and management. Two major questions are addressed: (1) What does the ESCD experience suggest in terms of telecommunication policy, educational policy and programming, and roles and responsibilities of Alaskan village and regional organizations? (2) From the perspective of federal sponsors, is there a course of action that can benefit both Alaskans and educational research? Recommendations for the future derived from user reaction to ESCD are organized around three questions: (1) Does satellite television fit the requirements of rural Alaskans? (2) Can control of the rural media systems be delivered to villages? (3) What lessons have been learned about programming? Explicit recommendations were: (1) ESCD was not worthwhile; (2) villages should control planning and investment; (3) satellite is but one of several ways of providing telecommunications coverage; and (4) NIE should not fund further demonstrations using ATS-6, rather, it should focus investment on secondary school education, tape as well as real-time video, and village or regional control over all plans and investments. (DAG)