The changing role of community networks in providing citizen access to the Internet

This article examines the changing role of community network associations or “freenets” in providing Internet access by examining the case of the Calgary Community Network Association (CCNA) located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The changing role of the CCNA is examined against the backdrop of the withdrawal of states from the telecommunications field, the priorities of the Canadian government, and the role of the private sector. Community networks may ultimately focus on persons who do not have computers, while advertising supported services may attract those with computers who may not wish or cannot afford to pay a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP).