A panel discussion was held to examine the efficacy of the Applications Technology Satellites, powerful communication satellites designed to send quality signals to low-cost ground terminals. The satellites have been used on an experimental basis in rural America, Canada, and India. While the panel generally agreed on the great potential of the satellite, they also identified unresolved problems in developing the noncommercial applications of the technology. The discussion focused on three major topics: (1) the significance of the satellite experiment and its later cancellation; (2) the ability of the private sector to develop communication satellites for social uses; and (3) the future of the communication satellite. (EMH)