In recent years, the large angle COBE-DMR data have been used to place
constraints on the size and shape of certain. topologically compact m
odels of the universe. Here we show that this approach does not work f
or generic compact models. In particular, we show that compact hyperbo
lic models do not suffer the same loss of large angle power seen in fl
at or spherical models. This follows from applying a topological theor
em to show that generic hyperbolic three manifolds support long wavele
ngth fluctuations, and by taking into account the dominant role played
by the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect in a hyperbolic universe.