`GLASSING' OF AMERICA: BELL READIES NEW FIBER OPTICS PLAN

From cable television to telephone systems, fiber optics technology is laying a foundation for an almost limitless highway of information.

Like other telecommunications companies, Southwestern Bell Telephone is involved in the "glassing of America." Fiber optics uses light beams to transmit signals down tiny, hollow tubes of glass.

In Missouri, Southwestern Bell is seeking Public Service Commission (PSC) approval to embark on a $153.6 program for installation of a fiber optics network, reduction of some rates including long distance, expansion of its Lifeline discount program for low-income persons, and lowered access charges for long distance calls.

The heart of the plan calls for Bell to spend $82 million on development of a fiber optics network linking virtually every Missouri community.

Southwestern Bell plans to focus initially on hooking up the state's schools and hospitals to the fiber optics network. If the plan is approved by the PSC, the company intends to have the fiber optics network in place by the end of 1996.

"We think this is kind of a visionary thing," said Craig Felzien, area manager for Southwestern Bell in Cape Girardeau. "We are really talking about an engineering feat."

Public middle and high schools and universities across the state would be linked to the network. Schools could provide two-way, long-distance learning where students can take classes taught from across the nation. Information libraries would be available to students doing research.

It would be a case of students learning by telephone line and TV monitor. "Education with extreme close-ups," said Felzien.

In some states, such technology is already in use.

Beginning this fall, students in Howard, Saline and Cooper counties in mid-Missouri will experience distance-learning firsthand. They will be part of a network linking Central Methodist college in Fayette with high schools in five towns, Felzien said.

With fiber optics, high school students could take German, without ever leaving their school, even though that school had no such language teacher.

The students could learn the subject long distance from a teacher at another high school or college.

The system involves the use of television cameras and monitors in the classrooms. "Teachers and students in two or more locations could share information and ask questions immediately and spontaneously," said Felzien.

Distance learning also could be useful for adults taking college courses, refresher courses, seminars and retraining, he said.

Fiber optics would also provide for "telemedicine," Felzien said.

It would provide a video network where doctors at distant offices could give patients quick and easy access to health care.

"With the fiber technology proposed by Southwestern Bell, doctors could use the network to do everything they would do if they were in the room with the patient except examine by touch," he said.

Doctors and patients could get a second opinion long distance, he pointed out. Hospitals would be able to offer in-house medical education for their personnel.

"Though the entire state stands to benefit from such a network, the greatest benefit may be in rural areas, where health care options continue to dwindle," Felzien said.

Rural Missouri counties have on average about five doctors for every 10,000 people. In the rest of the state, the average is 12.3 to 19.2 doctors per 10,000 people, he pointed out.

Thirty-nine rural counties have no hospital, 47 have been identified in a federal study as areas where there is a shortage of health professionals, and 57 counties have seen a decline in health care resources.

Felzien said such a network could connect research facilities, universities, medical schools and patient-information data bases, effectively reducing both doctor and patient isolation.

Nationwide, it's envisioned that fiber optics will benefit businesses in general. Both small and large businesses would be able to take orders via customers' televisions. They could check suppliers' inventories or have video conferences with clients nationwide.

While Southwestern Bell is focusing on schools and hospitals at this point, Felzien said he expects businesses to be signing on as well to fiber optics.

"It will provide services to them they never even dreamed of having before," noted Felzien. There are almost endless possibilities with such technology, he said.