This report outlines success factors and challenges identified in a study of the educational electronic communications networks in three selected Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) member states (i.e., Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma) and through discussions of the SREB's Educational Technology Cooperative. The report is organized in sections that address: participation and support; educational leadership; technology strategies; funding; special pricing and discounts for education; methods of charging users; economies of scale; organization; planning; user issues; costs of procured telecommunications services; services to private business; effects on economic development; and growth of network use. Each section summarizes the important policy and management considerations raised by the state networks and presents questions that should help other states establish or review plans to develop or improve an educational network. (AEF)