This newsletter article addresses the increasing role of telecommunications and its effect on American Indian institutions. Advocates believe that telecommunications could make rural Indian reservations more viable places to live, work, educate children, and treat illnesses. Additionally, new technology could revolutionize reservation economies. However, before Indian communities leap onto the "information superhighway," they must be willing to take action to determine how the information system is designed and regulated. American Indian Telecommunications and Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) have attempted to educate Indian communities concerning the urgency and necessity of becoming a part of the telecommunications movement. American Indian Telecommunications was created to promote Indian use of computers and telecommunications in a culturally appropriate manner. AIO raised money and started INDIANnet, which provides subscribers with free job announcements, information from the Federal Register and several federal agencies, research services, and free access to Internet. Despite such growing involvement, Indian people must do much more at the national and local level with regard to the national telecommunications agenda. To protect their sovereign rights, tribal institutions must ensure the nation's telecommunications policies reflect various Indian concerns including privacy of data, cost sharing, safeguarding traditional tribal beliefs and values, and encouraging Indian people to become producers of media as well as consumers. (LP)