Located across the river from Washington, DC, this community network is a little different than most in the US in that it is not funded with grants from governments, foundations or corporations, virutually has a budget of zero, and is wholly volunteer run. Email and other Internet services are not offered in this community where those with access to computers is rated at above 60% but public access to the Internet is available through libraries. It is not affiliated with any government but provides partnerships with local agencies and provides a wealth of information to enhance their community.

The Alabama Community Access Network (MAFN) is a not for profit Alabama corporation providing free text-based Internet access that is partially funded by payment for a Premium Access Service (WWW access). Thirty Premium Individual registrations enable one additional phone line in the Free Bank. (Telnet: maf.mobile.al.us. Password: visitor)

The Southeastern Ohio Regional Freenet (SEORF) is a community-based network offering the region with low-cost access to information about the area and the world. SEORF offerscommunity members the opportunity to communicate with email and text based Web access. (Telnet: seorf.ohiou.edu , Password: guest)

The Aurora Online Community Network was proposed in 1995 in order to advance learning throughout the community. It is funded by the City of Aurora with revenues generated by the Hollywood Riverboat Casino. With K-12 education as their initial focus, all schools were given a free computer, Internet connectivity, training and free email for teachers. Public access are an additional aim with sites being located around the city and free Internet education classes and free Internet education classes are offered to residents. Although residents do not have accounts, a study is being conducted by the city to determine the feasibility of establishing a freenet for the community.

The Akron Community Online Resource Network (formerly The Akron Regional Free-Net) is a community network that has been a admirable example in perserverence to find funding and support. It is a "work in progress", and entirely volunteer run. Still in the process of getting their site built, ACORN provides the Akron residents with free email, local and other information, public access sites, and user support in order to give all residents equitable access to information. (Telnet: freenet.akron.oh.us, Password: visitor)

The Allegan County Community Network's goal is to improve the quality of life andstimulate economic growth by linking all country residents, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments to both local and global information and resources. Besides an extensive listing of community links, ACCN provides email addresses and access at two different levels. The Community Network Account provides free email and access to the community listings for a $10 one time set-up fee (no monthly charge). The Supporting User Account provides the above and full Internet access for $15.00 per month and a $10.00 one time set-up charge. There are time limitations on both accounts and other restrictions but their service allows all residents to interact with and their community.

Alachua Freenet is a nonprofit community supported & sponsored system in Gainesville, Florida which provides Internet and community resources to over 10,000 people. ts purpose is to provide basic computing access to the local community (the county of Alachua), to provide a centralized depot for local information, and to educate the community on the use of computers. Accounts with email and other services are free for individuals and organizations living within the state of Florida and $20 for those elsewhere. Businesses may get an account where they can advertise for a minimum sponsorship of $50. (Telnet: afn.org, Password: visitor - FTP: ftp.afn.org, Password: anonymous Userid: your email address)

AzTeC Computing is a Free-Net that was developed to serve and enrich the public by providing, at no charge, a non-commercial computer-based system through which information and ideas are exchanged among people and organizations of Arizona. Public access sites are available in many libraries across the state. (Telnet: aztec.asu.edu, login as a 'guest' with the Password of 'visitor'.)

The Baltimore County Public Library (http://www.bcpl.lib.md.us/) offers low cost Internet access accounts to residents living in the County. For a $25 startup fee and $100 per year (less than $8.50 per month), the account allows the use of either a graphical "PPP" software to explore the WWW or text based UNIX "shell" access. For both types of accounts, services provided include, at the mininum, email, www access, telnet and ftp for unlimited, three hour sessions. 

(Telnet: 192.231.192.1 Password: bbs)

Volunteers are working towards establishing a free, public community-based information and communications network in New York City with the BigApple.Net which is sponsored by the New York Public Library. At the present, public access sites are available from the these libraries and schools (mostly in underserved and poor neighborhoods) are being connected with free PPP accounts. A nonprofit organization, they are able to supply schools with this service because of software from ISPs and the volunteers of BigApple Net who assist teachers and students with installation, training, support and the development of web pages. This community network's goal is to become a free-net, obtain funding for further development and offer accounts that allow subscribers to access the Internet, email and Usenet news. It appears that a membership fee will be requested.

This famous community network serves Blacksburg, Montgomery County, home of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Southwestern Virginia. A joint venture between Virginia Tech, Bell Atlantic and the City of Blacksburg, it is considered one the "most wired cities in America". Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in Blacksburg and is "online". Free BEV Personal IDentifiers are available at the Blacksburg Library and VT faculty, staff, or student already have PIDs. However, it appears that free email services are not provided and access must be obtained either through one of the libraries, access sites at the University or with a commercial provider. The local community content is extensive and well organized with lots of discussion groups available. BEV is also well known for their training and information available for setting up community networks so visiting their "Starting A Village" section is recommended.

The Bloomsburg Area Free-Net (BAFN), a nonprofit organization, is sponsored by the Bloomsburg Telecommunication Consortium for Columbia County and Region (BTC3R) for the citizens of northcentral Pennsylvania. Free to all members in the region, BAFN provides access to local, regional and national information via the Internet and email. They provide an enormous amount of regional information and even provide and interactive site for users everywhere on their WWW site.

The BCN is a cooperative effort involving Boulder educational, civic, andcorporate entities. This network provides access to local and national information for the citizens in hopes of promoting civic and community participation, educational excellence, and economic development. Accounts are not offered to individual citizens bu public access sites are located throughout the town and Internet orientations are offered free to citizens. Also provided is "OSCN - One-Stop Career Network" which is a detailed and informative employment center. (Telnet: bcn.boulder.co.us Visitor Login: bcn)

The Buffalo Free-Net is a free, open access, community computer system for information and education. It allows residents from 8 counties in western New York to use a wide range of electronic services, including electronic mail, the internet to obtain information about education, community affairs, health, education, technology, government, arts, recreation, and the law. Residents may use the system at no cost through personal, office, and public access computers. The BFN is a free, volunteer organization that obtains its funding through several resources (including the University of Buffalo)but encourages donations from users to obtain and upgrade donations. (Telnet: freenet.buffalo.edu, Password: freeport, 1 hour session limits)

The Capital Region Information Service (CRISNY) is a nonprofit community network that focuses on the counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady in upstate New York. CRISNY's purpose is to assist the entire community in benefiting from the new information and network technologies regardless of education, technical proficiency or income. Free or low-cost accounts are offered to local governments, schools, colleges, universities, and other nonprofit organizations. These sites and CRISNY are supported by a combination of fees to individuals, market rate fees to commercial users, and revenues from other services, such as Web pages. Public access sites are available.

CedarNet is a free, open-access, non-profit community computer information system covering Northeast Iowa. Registration for a CedarNet account is free, and a choice of 3 different fees to access the CedarNet modem bank. These fees range from free for limited, 30 minutes once a day to $127.20 per year for unlimited access in 4 hour blocks. Accounts have access to e-mail, news, WWW graphical interface, FTP, and Telnet with the users being responsible for providing their own necessary software and installation. This site is well put together and easy to navigate.

This award winnng community network provides the Charlotte, North Carolina community with a large, well organized resource for local and regional information. Along with free email accounts and newsgroups, registered users are able to FTP and Telnet to selected sites. Nonprofit organizations are also able to get accounts and are given classes so that they may maintain their own site. Vanity email addresses are available for a fee. There are approximately 13 public access sites with over 56 Mini-Hub computers. (Telnet: wilbur.charweb.org Password: webguest, Gopher: gopher.charweb.org, Password: webguest)

CCIL is a volunteer run, nonprofit community network which provides the residents, employees, students and organizations of Chester County, Pennsylvania with the ability to communicate locally and internationally for free. These services include e-mail, bulletin boards, and a range of Internet capabilities including telnet, gopher, WWW (text only but graphical access is being developed and will be offered), ftp, IRC, and also shortly, PPP/SLIP connections. Local access sites are provided throughout the area. (Telnet: www.ccil.org, Login: tourist, Password: tourist)has no paid staff. Everything done to keep the organization running and growing is done by volunteers.Through operation Free-Link, has contributed computers and phone lines to a number of publicly accessible sites.

The City of Santa Monica has developed a public electronic network (PEN) with free text-based services for its residents in order to provide easy electronic access to public information for use by city residents. This enables an alternative method for residents to participate in and utilize their city government and its services. This site is quite detailed and informative. (Telnet: pen.ci.santa-monica.ca.us)

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Tom Grundner to originally provide answers to health questions, The Cleveland Free-Net was the first community network in the country. In the more than 10 years since its original inception, this community network has expanded tremendously with the help of many and is now provided by Case Western Reserve University for those living in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The registration and all usage is free for the text based system. Included in the services are many community oriented sites, chat areas and fred email accounts. (Telnet: freenet-in-a.cwru.edu, Login: Select #2 at the first menu) 

Columbia Online Information Network is a community network that provides citizens of Callaway, Boone, and Howard counties with 24-hour access to electronic mail, local and global information, research resources, the Internet and storage space. Becoming a "Friend of COIN" allows subscribers to access with a SLIP/PPP connection for a donation of $75 per year. Users are responsible for acquiring and installing their own software. COIN is jointly sponsored by the local government and educational institutions, affiliate members, and individual donations. (Telnet: telnet.coin.missouri.edu, Password: guest)

The first Community Net opened in Solano County, California in 1994. The purpose was to give local government, education, business, and individuals a place to provide resources to benefit the entire community. A facility has been provided in Suisun,California, which provides a place for the members of to meet face-to-face where they can train, develop, and work together on products. Internet services are provided for as little as $4.95 per month but there are not any free access accounts. Other sites of this nature have been set up by Digital America in elsewhere in California and Japan. (Telnet: community.net Login: Guest)

The Davis Community Network is a non-profit, community-service organization DCN is a locally operated, non-profit organization which offers a community-wide computer link between homes, schools, businesses, local government, community events and other locations, both local and worldwide. Being a DCN subscriber supports local institutions and gives citizens the benefit of information about, and participation in, community affairs. Internet services must be obtained from a providor as DCN does not provide the physical link between the citizens and its own site. (Telnet: dcn..davis.ca.us, login: guest)

The Dayton Free-Net, an on-line computer communication system, is located at Wright State University. Management is a shared effort between Wright State University, University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College. Only accessible by telnet, it says it it is "under construction" and appears to be struggling as messages on the site date back as far as 1994. Very little information about the Free-Net is available but text only access to the web and email is offered. It appears to be free. (Telnet: [email protected]:23/)

The mission of the Denver Free-net is "to promote the concept of community computing" by giving the Denver area a cost-fee method and opportunity of online communications and retrieval for local, state and worldwide information. E-mail service was discontinued in October, 1996 except for those who dial DFN directly with a modem to the free-net's local modem and telnetting service is limited only to what is on their menu. Public access sites are located the local public libraries, public schools and homeless shelters.(Telnet: freenet.uchsc.edu , Login and Password: guest, Gopher: freenet.uchsc.edu, Login and password: gopher)

The Eugene Free Community Network (EFN) is provided by the nonprofit Oregon Public Networking and is a free computer network that provides a means of communication for people. Although it appears anybody can register for an account, the large amount community information is geared towards the City of Eugene and Lane County. For those who can't afford it, access is free for basic access (including email and text-based Internet access but a donation is requested. Levels of service range from free to the most extensive services. Public access sites are available. (Telnet: efn.org, Password: guest, Gopher: gopher://efn.efn.org)

FairNet is an electronic community network for the Fairbanks, Alaska area that provides educational and community information to the public at no charge. People without a computer will be able to obtain access to FairNet through public access sites throughout the area. FairNet is was developed in order to "build and strengthen existing communities through shared and integrated information services."

FortNet, the Community Computer Network offers public access sites across the community in order to provide free access to the WWW. Information about local services and events are plentiful along with many local listserves. The "First Annual Community Internet Festival" was held in January, 1997 and much effort is given to . Training classes and free websites to qualifying organizations are available. (Internet access is not provided to citizens.)

GRINet, a nonprofit organization, is sponsored by the Greenwood Regional Information Network and the Abbeville-Greenwood Regional Library in partnership with various Greenwood County Government entities. This site, whose purpose is to bring regional information to the residents, potential visitors and anyone else who may be interested in this part of South Carolina, is in its vary early stages of being built.

The Gadsden Community Network is a free service for those working, living or going to school in the county. This nonprofit service is supported by local businesses, citizens and the Supercomputer Computations Research Institute of Florida State University (http://www-wane.scri.fsu.edu). It is completely run by volunteers and housed at . They offer a wide variety of local and worldwide information, both public and private, a connection to the Internet and email for registered users. (Telnet: gadcomm.net, Password: visitor)

The Genessee Free-Net provides local and regional information to those who work or live in Genessee County, Michigan. They have several levels of use with the "Value Added Account" giving users email, UseNet News, full access to many Internet applications (ftp, telnet, gopher, etc.) and full access to discussion groups and bulletin boards for a setup fee of $25 and a $35 annual fee. Their "guest" access is a little more extensive than many other free-nets and they encourage those who do not want or need email, usenet, etc. to use this service. Their volunteers are looking for ways to provide electronic mail and advanced services to those who cannot afford to pay. People who do not work or live in the county can also get accounts but at a higher fee. A listserve is available to keep subscribers up-to-date of GFN news and allow input on the FreeNet. Public access sites are located throughout the area. (Telnet: genesee.freenet.org Password: guest)

The organization provides the Grand Rapids, Michigan area with a wide variety of community information but does not appear to have subscriber services.

GCFN, a community network, serves Franklin and the surrounding counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Madison, Licking, Pickaway, or Union County in Central Ohio. An outreach project of The Ohio State University and The Ohio Supercomputer Center, this service provides residents with access to local, regional and worldwide information, email, discussion groups and ftp at no cost. Additional services are available for a feee including personal email aliases and hosting services. Guest access is not available via telnet. (Gopher: freenet.columbus.oh.us, Login: guest)

The Greater Detroit Free-Net provides the residents of Metropolitan Detroit with free, electronic access to community-related information and the Internet. Their goal includes the distrubution of information to as wide an audience and as economically as possible. Anyone may be a registered user and are given access to email usage, participation in email discussion groups (local and Usenet) and on-line chat sessions, the ability to download software, and other services. Public access sites are at local libraries for those without computers. Use of the system is entirely free but a $50 (or more) donation is accepted for personalized accounts to offset affiliate fees and/or dial-in modems. (Telnet: detroit.freenet.org, Password: visitor)

The Greater New Orleans Free-Net, Inc. is a free, public access on-line communitynetwork designed to provide information, education, and communication within and outside of the community. It provides two different types of accounts for its registered subscribers in Orleans and the six surrounding parishes that allow its users access to services, both of which include email, newsgroups and text based WWW access. The $75 per year account allows 2.5 more megabytes of storage and personalized userid's. Public access sites are available throughout the area along with free Internet training seminars. (Telnet: gnofn.org, Password: visitor)

CHECKTHIS ONE BACK OUT - TRY http://fyi.uhcc.hawaii.edu/The World Wide Web's Lynx Browser is provided to Hawaii FYI users to view text only information of Web pages. Images on the Web pages accessed will not be viewable. Brackets with the word "IMAGE" or "INLINE" or "ISMAP" will take the place of an image, icon, or map. The Lynx Browser has a command line at the bottom of each page to help you navigate through Web pages. Help for using Lynx can be selected from the command line. If you are lost in a succession of linked Web pages, key in "q" (quit) and press return to go back to the Hawaii FYI Web Page Services Menu.

Heartland Regional Network, located in central Illinois and serving the communities of Bloomington/Normal, Galesburg, Peoria, and Springfield, and the surrounding regions, was the first community owned and operated public access computer network in the United States. A not-for-profit corporation, HRN is supported entirely by its users, donors, and corporate sponsors. Illinois residents are offered free access entitles them to an Internet e-mail address, the ability to post to a wide variety of special interest bulletin boards, and access to selected Internet sites but a contribution of $35 (individual) or $70 (family) per year entitles them to a longer time online and access to more sites. Out-of-state membership has a fee of $35. regardless are offered either free access but with a $35 donation, they are 

HoosierNet, a nonprofit membership corporation, promotes lifelong learning, equitable access, and economic development in Monroe County, Indiana. Continuing operations are not not subsidized by taxpayer funds. COME BACK TO WHEN ANSWERED BY HOOSIERNET

The InfoZone, a non-profit community networking and research program, was developed by the Telluride Institute and has provided the community with Internet and BBS community networking services. Free public access systems, training and support services are provided.  InfoZone's First Class client-server, bulletin board system, considered as an interim solutionto our community networking needs, has been in operation since the end of 1993. It currently offers crossplatform, client and graphical user interface access to an increasing variety of regional content and applications.The system presently provide users with full Internet mail, telnet access and Usenet newsgroup feeds. TheCommunity BBS is currently being operated as non-profit, community public access media; much like public radioand TV. User donations and community fundraising events are expected to help make the community networkself-supporting, with a strong sense of user ownership. COME BACK TO

IthacaNet is an open, public access electronic information system for the Ithaca community. The World Wide Web site provides information on a number of local institutions, businesses, organizations, entertainment and events. An electronic mailing list is available for those interested in participating in the network. This community network does not provide private accounts.

The Knoxville-Oak Ridge Regional Network is a community network that provides access to community information for and about Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Online since June of 1996, free accounts are provided for residents that include text based Internet access, email, chat, several local forums and a large amount of information that is grouped into 15 categories. Nonprofit organizations and institutions are given free WWW access and there are over 17 public access sites available in the area. This service is sponsored by the University of Tennessee, several local governments, the Tennessee Valley Authority and several other local organizations. Many volunteers and several paid employees assist with the project. (Telnet: korrnet.org Password: visitor)

The Kearney Free-Net (KFN) is a nonprofit, public bulletin board system accessible by local dialup numbers that was designed to provide access to information, tools, and the community. Services are free to subscribers at the present and include individual email accounts and access to all local conferences and forums. The KFN is currenty funded by the city, county and several other sources but they are contemplating a transition which may include a partnership with an ISP. If this happens, there may be minimial charges that the subscriber would incur. KFN has a approximately 1,000 subscribers and is run with the help of volunteers.

The local Internet access/Community Network of Lincoln County in Northwest Montana was named for the Kootenai Indians who first inhabited the area. Online since 1994, this community network uses all volunteer labor, recycled materials, donations and minimal funding in order to link those in this vast, isolated area. At least twelve public access sites are located throughout the county with workshops and usergroups meeting regularly. Internet services are comprable to commercial ISPs in both services and cost with $20 per month. The mission of KooteNet is "To Fill The Local Pothole On The Information SuperHighWay! "

The La Plaza de Taos is a community network that covers the Taos, Questa and Penasco regions of New Mexico. This well planned, extensive telecommunity has an extensive amount of listserves pertaining to the area. In addition, registered users may purchase an inexpensive manual that informs them about La Plaza Access Information , email, gopher, telnet, ftp, basic Unix and the WWW via Lynx. Free "Quick-Start" workshops are held usually twice a week to also give hands on instructions. The information about the cost of this service (free or not) is conflicting and La Plaza de Taos has been contacted about this. For profit companies may store their sites for $20 per month while non-profit sites are free.

The Lake County Free-Net, a non-profit organization, is in the process of establishing and developing public access, computerized information, and communication services for the general public of Lake County, Ohio. With over 17 areas on this network, there is an abundance of information for the residents of Lake County. This site will be launching soon with and provide email services for a one time registration fee of $10.00. This Free-Net is volunteer run with the exception of some technical assistance from the sponsors.

Laclede ACCESS (LLION is the host computer) is a nonprofit organization which maintains the Community Information Network for Laclede County and the surrounding area. They provide access to the Internet at two different levels. Free Internet access (supported by local organizations and businesses) gives the user email, text based internet access using Lynx, the ability to ftp, gopher and telnet. SLIP/PPP Access is also available for $15 or $20 per month and a $10 setup fee. LLION provides an abundance of local and regional regional information in addition to global links. (Telnet: llion.org, Password: guest)

Littleton Community Network (LCN) is a nonprofit organization in Colorado that was developed in order to provide the public with a community information database via the Internet. Although access is not offered to the individual citizen there is free public access at the local library with plans for additional sites throughout the area. Civic organizations and community groups are able to post information on LCN at no charge. The site is maintained by volunteers.

Lorain County Free-Net, Inc., was established in 1990 as a non-profit organization, was launched in 1992 and acquired by the Lorain County Community College in 1995 to maintain its operation. This community network provides admission to local information, email, chat areas, discussion forums and the Internet in the text based mode for users at a registration fee of only $15.00. Vanity identification accounts are also available for an additional one time fee of $25.00 (Telnet: lcfn.org, Password: guest)

Eight years in the making and officially inaugurated on May 10, 1994, the Los Angeles Free-net is one of the area's "best kept secrets. LAFN offers text-based access to the Internet for an annual fee $15.00 and a ppp account $30.00 that supplies on WWW access. LAFN uses this annual fee for the addition of equipment, administrative services and telephone lines. There are no additional charges for either registered users or visitors. (Telnet: lafn.org and logging on as a visitor.)

MAIN, a nonprofit organization, offers 14 counties (with a goal of 22) in western North Carolina local and regional information along with links to select websites of civic interest. Also offered are public forums, email accounts, and several different levels of access (including full web access) that range from $50 per year (text only) to $1000 per year (corporate sponsors). 

The Macatawa Area Free-Net (MacNet) is a nonprofit electronic community network which provides open and free access to information and resources for the Macatawa Area area of West Michigan. They offer many different levels of membership with all having an annual subscription fee of $10. The other monthly charges range from free (very limited time restrictions) to unlimited use at $18 per month. Non-profit organizations are not charged monthly but must pay a subscription fee of $10 per year also. MacNet also provides business connections, dedicated accounts and hosting services for a variety of charges. Public access sites are available throughout the area)

There is little available information about the Manistee Universal Free-Net in Michigan but it is accessible to all by telnet. A guest has the ability to log on, look around MUFN and download terminal software. A registered user gains access to such areas as e-mail and chat rooms, file libraries and voting booths. Registration is free and may be done at any of the Manistee County Branch Libraries. World Wide Web sites for the Free-Net or the libraries have not been able to be located. (Telnet: mufn, Type: Guest, Password: Hit "Enter")

Merlink (sm), officially the Mercer County Free-Net Association, consists of a group of volunteers. Providing Mercer County with a presence on the World Wide Web, they provide a large variety of local, state and worldwide information by adding new listings daily. A goal is to provide Internet access to the county residents but are still attempting to find funding for equipment. For those with a commercial ISP, a Merlink mailing listserv is available. 

Michiana Free-Net is a community-based electronic service that provides local information , full e-mail, FTP, Telnet, Internet service to individuals in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Originally free, they are now asking a fee of $5-$8 per month dial-in accounts with e-mail in order to offset costs which provides 90 hours of connectivity per month. The free-net is entirely volunteer run and provides free monthly training programs for those interested in getting on the Internet. (Telnet: freenet.michiana.org)

MidNet is a community network providing information for Columbia and the Midlands of South Carolina . Although there are not subscription services for residents, MidNet provides the citizens access to information services using the World Wide Web. With over 150 nonprofit organizations and businesses as information providers, MidNet informs about education, government, community happenings, the arts plus much more. 

The North Idaho Communities ON-line Network (NICON) provides North Idaho residents with easy electronic access to regional and worldwide information. It encourages interaction with local forums with free e-mail accounts and free text-based access to many Internet services such as Usenet newsgroups and the WWW. In addition to the standard regional listings, NICON also provides employment listings, a regional volunteer exchange, and a section especially for teenagers. Although there are public Internet access sites available in the region, they are not provided by NICON at this time.

The Naples Free-Net offers free access to its web site and the Internet withinthe 774 telephone exchange in Naples Florida. Registered users have access to email, Usenet, and PPP privileges and community information free of charge. NFN also provides custom userids and Virtual Web Hosting at a reasonable rate to nonprofit information provider organizations and individual users with varying fees as an added way to support the free-net. Classes are available to subscribers(Telnet: gator.naples.net, Login: guest, Password: guest)

Northfield Citizens Online (formerly the Northfield Free-Net), a friendly and informative community network, was born out of the belief that the Internet can be used to strengthen, empower and enhance the local community. In addition to sites about the schools, local government and the community, the local newspaper is also featured online. They have also created the Web Cafe for members to participate in forums and offer free e-mail, dial-in access, and limited Web hosting for non-profit organizations. NCO is also setting up public access terminals at various locations around Northfield and support network that helps those new to the technology. Registration for the Web Cafe and signing up for an NCO e-mail account are separate functions.

Nyx is a free, public system, that was housed at University of Denver in Colorado until recently. It provides access to the Internet for users worldwide who otherwise cannot reach it. Registered users have an email address, personal webspace, access to Internet, an extensive file download section, access to their unix system and other benefits. The system is run entirely by volunteers, is funded by donations and although free to the users, they do quite a bit of fundraising. (Telnet: nyx.cs.du.edu, Password: new) 

OPEN accounts are available to all library card holders of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Those individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations are provided with dial-up PPP accounts and have full access to the Internet which includes email, WWW with Netscape, newsgroups, IRC and more. Services range from 30 hours at $8 per month for individuals and businesses to email only for 3 hours at $4 per month per month. Nonprofit organizations are given 30 hours free access per month with the first two month at no charge. Public access sites are available for everybody at a minimum of 15 libraries. A vast amount of local, regional and worldwide information is available through this nonprofit organization.

OSFN, a non-profit organization, is a relatively new Free-Net that provides access to community, state and worldwide information for all residents of Rhode Island at no cost. Included in these services are local discussion forums, chat, email and Internet access in the text based mode. OSFN is run by volunteers, accepts donations and provides access to all residents through statewide public access sites. (Telnet: osfn.org)

The Omaha Free-Net project was scheduled to end on April 30, 1997 due to lack of funding when the AIM Institute stepped in at the last second to assume responsibility for this extensive community network. Although they do not appear to provide email services, they do have access to the WWW via the graphical interface and Lynx (text only) that is available free of charge for 30 minutes to anybody using a modem. (Telnet: omahafreenet.org, Password: visitor)

Ozark Community Services Network's aim is to use information technology to promote awareness and interaction between social service and non-profit agencies and the communities of Washington, Benton, Madison, and Carroll Counties in Northwest Arkansas with a variety of resources and programs.

ORION, a regional electronic network, serves the residents of the Springfield and the Southwest Missouri area. It works to minimize the distance between the "information haves" and the "information have-nots" by providing access to local, national, and international information through free user accounts and public access sites at all of the branches of the Springfield-Greene County Library District and throughout the community. Registered users are given email accounts, access to the Internet in a text-based format, IRC and access to a wide range of community information sites. Residents outside of the Springfield/tSouthwest Missouri area may also register but do not have as many benefits as those within the region. Nonprofit organizations are being encouraged to list their sites and join ORION at no charge. (Telnet: orion.org, Password: guest)

PennyNet is a regional computer network that serves the Upstate NY area of Chemung, Steuben, and Schuyler Counties. It provides free access to a large amount of regional information. The PennyNet BBS does not provide a gateway to the Internet which allows it to stay a "wholesome on-line experience for the whole family". However, email and access to the Internet is available for a fee of $25 per family which includes 3 IDs. This community network is volunteer run with public access sites available. (Telnet: pennynet.servtech.com, Password: new)

Prairie Online, a part of the nonprofit Public Broadcasting, serves North Dakota and parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana and Canada. "Free" users receive 30 minutes of access per day for community information, discussion forums and local email. POL has reversed the trend of community networks and lowered subscriber rates substantially while still providing, at the minimum, Internet email, Internet newsgroups, access to shareware plus all of the "free" benefits. These rates provide funding for the online network.

Prairienet is an East Central Illinois public-access network that is provided as a community service of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Registration is not free but is based on a once a year fee which includes email, ftp, irc, vtalk, muds, text-based web access, newsgroups and telnet. Rates are based on income level and free registration is given to volunteers. Youth accounts are given to subscribers under 18 which puts a minor amount of limitation on their access. Local public access sites are provided. (Telnet: prairienet.org, Login: visitor, Password: guest, Gopher: gopher.prairienet.org)

RTPnet, a nonprofit organization, promotes and distributes local, state and global information relative to the interest of those in the Research Triangle area (including Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill) in North Carolina through electronic communication. Accounts offering email and Internet access are not available at this time, but they are beginning to provide public access sites. Entirely run by volunteers and donations, a related listserve and classes on accessing the Internet are provided. 

RRCNET (Red Rock Community Network) is a community based, non-profit computer network that provides membership that offers affordable Internet access and community information for the counties of Redwood and Cottonwood. RRCN's goal is enable the sharing and exchange of local, national, and internationall information. With the local involvement of residents, Web sites for the local communities will be created. The presence of a local network will enable local people with computer talents to share them with others within the area, thereby bringing the communities together.

The Rochester Free-Net, Inc., started in 1994, serves the needs of western New York residents by informing them of local and regional information. A nonprofit organization, they are funded by direct contributions from members of the public, corporateunderwriting, and grants. Rochester Free-Net does not charge members of the public for access to any of our online services but does not provide private accounts with services such as email..

Sent for more info about 4/17/97. Site does not have a page giving info about it, just help for users, etc. (Telnet: rain.gen.mo.us, Password: visitor)

SLONET is a California non-profit corporation providing a regional information access network for San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. SLONET's provides the residents of this area with free, electronic access to local community-related information on the Virtual Village. Information providers are also given a means to distribute their information to as many as possible and as economically as possible. Access is not free for the private citizen but is provided at an economical rate of $23.00 registration and $13.00 per month which includes email and web access. (Telnet: www.slonet.org, Login: sloguest, Password: slonet1)

Soho.net, is a "virtual community" provided by Media Access Systems in the Soho district of New York City. The community is based on the location of the Soho district in New York City but is not required to stay within this area. "Soho.net is the quintessential community for people who are involved in multimedia and the arts because it allows one to locate services and events that revolve around important issues in the growing field of multimedia, as well as being able to interact with those who make the field grow." In addition to the WWW site with a large amount of local information, a BBS and a free email account is available so that those in the community may interact with other soho.net members in real-time. 

Silicon Valley-Public Access Link (SV-PAL) is a non-profit computer network which makes on-line information accessible to of the Silicon Valley area. The service is available to all regardless of financial and educational levels and maintains public access sites at the public schools and libraries. Operated by volunteers only, the focus is on servicing people who do not have the means, knowledge or equipment for subscribing to commercial computer networks. SV-PAL provides full access to the Internet and training on how to use the network at a cost of $40.00 per year for access and $20.00 per two-hour class (optional). Direct access to the Internet (PPP/SLIP), and shell accounts are not available through SV-PAL at this time. Local community, government, education, and business information is also provided online. 

The mission of the Santa Fe Free-Net (SFFN) is "to make the new information technology available to community members who otherwise could not afford it". Users will have free access to local information data bases on education, community organizations, health, the arts, recreation, and government. Access will also be provided to a wide range of Internet services for a very modest fee (including electronic mail, FTP, gopher and WWW). Public access sites will be available for all area residents to use. Although it is unclear at this time (5/97) whether or not the system is actually operational, they seem to be very organized and along in their development. The SFFN site is hosted by a commercial ISP, Santa Fe Online.

This volunteer operated network in Washington has pledged to prove equal access to community information for all users in the greater Seattle area. User registration is free, andincludes an Internet e-mail account, Usenet newsgroups, local forums, text based access to the Internet, ftp, and telnet. Originally begun by Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (see Civic Networking Resources) it soon grew so large that the separate non-profit organization, the Seattle Community Network Association, was begun. (Telnet: scn.org, Login: visitor)

The Shawnee Free-Net is Southern Illinois' only non-profit community computing network that offers Internet services of a wide variety that range from the very basic service of email only to full Internet/WWW services. The fees vary widely for creating each account and the SFN also requests tax deductible membership contributions. However, if a resident cannot afford to pay for a membership, options are available such as volunteer or in-kind serviceas a substitution in order to reach the goal of universal access for all Southern Illinoisans. Extensive community information is provided and each member has voting privileges for electing SFN's Board of Directors and setting future goals and policies. This free-net does not currently appear to provide public access but hopes to in the future.

ShiaNet Community Information Network is a local nonprofit community network which serves the Shiawassee County area in mid-Michigan. It is a department of the Owosso-Corunna Area Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by several sources including corporations and 183 individuals. Continuing operations are funded by user registration which provides World Wide Web access, FTP, Usenet News, Gopher, E-mail, and Telnet for a range of $9.95 per month (30 hours/month) or $15.00 per month (unlimited). Training sessions and usergroups are also available by this well organized community network.

Show-Me Net is a non-profit group providing Internet access for the Southeast Missouri region. Dial-in access is provided only for are those who make a yearly $100 contribution or who belong to one of our supporting organizations. Although they provide access to anybody in the region, their main goal is to work with other non-profit groups to help them use the Internet as information publishers and for their communications. Although graphical interface is available, users must supply their own browser. This is entirely volunteer run at this point and therefore, very little in technical support is available.

Silicon Valley-Public Access Link (SV-PAL) is a non-profit computer network which makes on-line information accessible to of the Silicon Valley area. The service is available to all regardless of financial and educational levels and maintains public access sites at the public schools and libraries. Operated by volunteers only, the focus is on servicing people who do not have the means, knowledge or equipment for subscribing to commercial computer networks. SV-PAL provides full access to the Internet and training on how to use the network at a cost of $40.00 per year for access and $20.00 per two-hour class (optional). Direct access to the Internet (PPP/SLIP), and shell accounts are not available through SV-PAL at this time. Local community, government, education, and business information is also provided online. 

This community service is provided to residents of the Sinnissipppi Valley region of northern Illinois. Free services include email and access to On-line Community Information including the Winnebago County Online Information System. However, for a $60 per year fee text-based Internet access, telnet, FTP, gopher, etc., UseNet (Limited) and a variety of listserves are added to the benefit. Nonprofit organizations are provided with free service. (Telnet: telnet://sinnfree.org)

The SEFLIN Free-Net is a product of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network [SEFLIN]. A non-profit organization with over 110 libraries in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Martin & Monroe counties (5,000 square miles), SEFLIN is free to the residents of the area with a cost of $10 for Florida residents and $20 for individuals outside Florida to cover administration costs. Public access sites are available throughout the area and there are agressive plans to increase the SEFLIN Free-Net coverage.(Telnet: telnet://bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us, Login: visitor)e SEFLIN Free-Net is sponsored, operated, and governed by the SoutheastFlorida Library Information Network [SEFLIN], a non-profit organizationof libraries in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Martin & Monroe counties.

SCAN, a nonprofit organization serving southwest Colorado, was developed in an attempt to establish community telecommunications projects in several rural communities and regions in Colorado. The purpose of the SCAN Project is to provide a cornerstone for civic networking development in Southwest Colorado by providing a Community Computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) with free access to many features includinge-mail, a calendar of events, file transfers, file libraries data including local government information and resources. World Wide Web presence with pages for community information aimed at the people in the community and pages for community promotion and marketing aimed at those outside of the area are also available. The Region 9 Economic Development District presence also provides general information on the WWW/Internet about socioeconomic data, Colorado Business Development Guide, etc.

Althought this Community Network does not provide Internet services to residents, there are over 20 access sites available for residents to find out more about their community and to have the opportunity to access the Internet. This network was devised in order to provide residents, community organizations, businesses, and all others who are interested in the City of St. Louis the ability to obtain and share information that is accurate, timely, and useful. Residents are given the opportunity to contact their government offices by email.

Suncoast Free-Net provides the public with easily-accessible, text-based, useful information via telnet (available from WWW page). Their purpose is to improve communication by providing a free, community-oriented telecomputingnetwork for the Tampa Bay Area. The free-net is officially sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of the Hillsborough County Public Library System and is partially bilingual. Registration for the area residents is free and includes email. There is a cost of $10 for Florida residents and $20 for non-residents which helps to cover local expenses and contributions. Custom (vanity) userid's are available for $50.00. (Telnet: scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us, Password: visitor)

The Sunflower Community Network, a non-profit membership organization in Kansas City, Missouri, was created in order to provide affordable and flexible Internet access. There are several levels of membership beginning at Individual accounts which has a fee of $60 per year and includes 1 email address and unlimited 2 hour logons for a family. 

The Tahoe Truckee Community Network's (TTCN) establishment in 1995 originated as a project of the Tahoe Truckee Regional Economic Coalition (T-TREC). Local volunteers designed our network to be the center for electronic communications serving theLake Tahoe Basin and Truckee region. Access to the network removesbarriers (both physical and technological) by providing services and access tocommunity information.

The Danbury Community Network is a collaborative network of community organizations and volunteers working together to put community information online. Public locations are available to use the Network and the Internet . Although accounts with email and other online services are not available to citizens, free training classes andworkshops are given at the public library that to assist citizens in their use of the Internet. The Danbury Community Network grew out of an NTIA planning project grant received by the Danbury Public Library in 1995 from the Dept. of Commerce.

No information available at this time. Very limited site.

The Three Rivers Free-Net (TRFN), sponsored by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, is a community network designed to provide free access to local and global information to the Pittsburgh region in southwestern Pennsylvania. This is accomplished with free email and text based access to the Internet and community resources. Nonprofit organizations are provided with free sites on the Web and are taught how to develop and maintain them. (Telnet: trfn.pgh.pa.us, Password: trfn)

TSO is a community public service offered by The Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges & Universities and the public broadcasting channel, WCET/Channel 48. This community network offers many different levels of access from free for access to the local bulletin board to enhanced Web Access for $15.00 per month - all requiring a non-refundable one-time processing fee of $20. As a unusual benefit, you may choose a level of access based on a users per line ratio with 3 levels of access to the BBS only that ranges from 100 users per line for $2 per month to $16.67 per month for 10 users per line. TSO also provides service to areas of Kentucky and Indiana that are able to. (Telnet: tso.cin.ix.net, Password: visitor)

Twin Cities Free-Net ("TCFN") is a non-profit corporation which is entirely volunteer run. organization. With the use of information technologies, they hope to promote the sharing of information and communication without regard to social or economic. There is no charge for membership but annual donations of $40 for individuals and $25 for students and seniors is encouraged. Nonprofit organizations are charged an annual fee depending on their yearly budget (a budget of under $ 25,000 is $40 per year and over $500,000 is $180 per year). Membership includes email and access to the ability to participate in local forums. Time limits vary depending upon the type of access but the number of sessions is not. (Telnet: telnet://[email protected])

The Wood County Free-Net is a project of the The Wood County Internet Council (WCIC) and is an all volunteer organization whose goal is to provide the county residents with "simple and economical access to the Internet" t. WCNet offers three types of accounts which are: Individual ($45/yr.), Business ($350.00/yr.) and Non-Profit Organization ($45.00/yr.). All consist of, at the minimum, full Interent access via dial-up lines. (PPP and Shell access available), email , space for a web page and storage space. Public access sites are located throughout the county.

WETA/CapAccess's beginnings go back to 1991 when a group of Washington, DC area social service organizations came up with an idea to inform each other about the number of beds available at the area homeless shelters. From there it evolved into a local, nonprofit, community network for the Washington, DC area. Accounts providing email services are available for a $25.00 registration fee with all system usage at no cost to the user. A subscriber can sign on for one hour at a time, as many times a day as needed. In 1995, the Greater Washington Educational Telecommunication Association (local public radio and television) assumed the responsibility for CapAccess.(Telent: capaccess.org, Login: guest, Password: visitor)

The WestCentral Ohio Regional Community Network (WORC-Net) provides a 10 county area in Ohio with a multitude of community links, many broken down by County. This fairly new community network provides accounts that come in several levels that range from $2 per month ($5 setup) for a shell account with email, text based Internet access, ftp, and newsgroups to $15.00 per month (or $150.00 per year) which provides the above plus unlimited Internet access (with graphics), and storage space. A business account is also available to introduce the area companies to the Internet. An extensive, 10 county email directory is also available for all users. 

As a registered user of the Westplex Information Network (WIN), residents of St.Charles County have free access to a number of additional information and Internet resources not available to guests. Some of the membership features include unlimited logins, email accounts, unrestricted access to telnet, ftp, gopher, IRC and the WWW, and access to discussion lists and newspapers. Citizens may also connect to WIN with a SLIP/PPP account for a fee of $72 per year. WIN is an all volunteer effort sponsored by local government entities. Public access sites are located throughout the area for those without available computers. (Telnet: telnet.win.org, Password: guest) 

Wolf Den, governed by the Prescott Community Freenet Association, provides local information about Prescott and Nevada County in Southwest Arkansas. Also provided to subscribers is free Internet access and email accounts. The PCFN defines "free" to be unlimited 15 minute sessions. However, a contribution formula of for each $4 contributed, the session limit is increased by one minute.

The YFN is provided by the St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center and Youngstown State University for a one time $10 processing fee. This community network provides email, newsgroups, IRC and access to many local, regional and worldwide information resources. All registered users must be from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan but for those outside of the local calling area, long distance charges are incurred. (Gopher: gopher.yfn.ysu.edu)