Fiber optics communication technology is a potential competitive alternative to coaxial cable and shielded twisted pairlines as a wide-band communications medium. Pilot demonstrations by public institutions such as the health care delivery system can test the application of this new technology. Fiber optic networks may have the potential to be cost effective and to allow for expansion of communication use, but implementing fiber optics communication may require interdisciplinary effort as well as national policy and regulatory decisions. (CH)