LIS 312--Information in Cyberspace
Free-Nets
The first Free-Net was the Cleveland Free-Net. It was started by Case Western Reserve University in July 1986 with 15 phone lines running at 1200 bps. By the end of the first year the Free-Net had 4500 registered users logging over 500 calls per day.
What are Free-Nets?
Free-Nets are regional public access computing centers that provide community computing resources for all citizens in the area.
How are Free-Nets created and maintained?
Requirements for setting up a Free-Net:
- One must show adequate funding to support at least two full-time staff members for two years.
- It must be agreed never to charge any fees for full access to the system.
- The Free-Net must share any enhancements made to the electronic community.
Most Free-Nets are funded through the fundraising efforts of its staff or are sponsored by large institutions such as universities. Volunteers are the backbone of all Free-Nets.
What services do Free-Nets offer?
A Free-Net represents a community-computing concept. It consists of a
multi-user computer established at a central location that is connected to
the telephone system through modems and to the Internet.
This computer contains programs that provide it's users with everything
from electronic mail services to information about healthcare, education,
technology, government, recreation, news, weather, sports, or just about
anything else of interest.
Why are Free-Nets important? What is their impact on the community?
A new literacy
Affordable access
Socioeconomic impact of the Internet (small businesses)
Free-Nets as equalizers (teledemocracy)
Free-Nets meet academic, public, and commercial needs
*** In the future Free-Nets will have to learn to handle success, growth, and equipment limitations.
Some Countries with Free-Nets:
Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Kyrgyztan, Netherlands, Phillipines, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA
Related Free-Net links:
Return to Useful Links
Heiko Haubitz
February 2, 1998