The global information society is fundamentally based on the convergence of information and communication technologies. The culmination of this convergence is the establishment of multimedia communication networks where all the different media types can co-exist and be delivered to users in homes, business places and educational institutions, etc. There is, therefore, a need to understand the processes involved and the likely uses of such networks. Previous implementations of technology can provide some pointers to the future, but as all technologies differ there cannot be certainty in the outcome of any implementation. For example, the widespread use of telephones and television has already caused changes in society from that which existed before their introduction, and although this has fundamentally changed society there is widespread acceptance of these changes. Further, implementation of technology will also create new challenges and cause new problems for society. These may not be predictable given that the current paradigm will colour thinking abouf the use and influence of any technology. Whaf is clear, is that multimedia communication technologies have the potential to change the methods of business, education and home life in ways that can fundamentally alter the very structures on which these are based. This, in turn, could lead to a widespread change, a reactive disinclination to the technology or a mixed approach combining aspects from both these extreme positions. This paper explores the technology and its use and looks at factors that will be relevant to its fufure use and usefulness.