Top Community Internet Providers
Residents of a village or small town often don’t have access to the internet. This is when community internet can make a difference. It can give residents access to the internet for the very first time.
What is Community Internet?
Community Internet offers access to the Internet on a community level rather than an individual household or business level. At its most basic level community internet provides access to local information and the means to communicate electronically by using email. Community networks may also include online discussion forums and access to extensive community information.
Community networks are typically operated by residents and non-profit organizations. They aren’t self-financed like commercial networks. Residents may be able to access the services for free or pay a minimal amount. Community networks often rely heavily on government grants, corporate donations and volunteer services.
Computers and associated equipment are often made available in publically accessible places. They may be found in public libraries, community centers or government buildings. All community members can access and use them.
Different Kinds of Community Internet Service Providers
There are different types of community networks designed for different needs. They may use different connection methods and infrastructures depending on the resources and needs of a community. Some of them are city-wide whereas others are much more localized.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations may offer community internet. These organizations are usually community-driven and rely on grants and donations to exist. They often operate on a volunteer basis.
An example is Guifi.net in Spain which is one of the largest community networks in the world. It began in the early 2000s as a way to bring the internet to rural Catalonia. Some of the connections are through WiFi or radio links and others are through fiber optic wires.
Local Government Networks
Local governments can also build and operate community networks. They may offer public internet in the same way as they offer electricity or water.
An example is Chattanooga’s Electric Power Board (EPB) in Tennessee. It offers high-speed internet to all residents. Installation is free and residents don’t have to sign contracts or pay any hidden fees.
Community Wireless Networks
Mesh networking technology is often in use in urban areas where traditional ISPs are expensive. Individual nodes connect wirelessly to create a network and all participants share a portion of their bandwidth.
An example is Freifunk in Germany. It is a non-commercial grassroots initiative to support free wireless networks.
Co-operative Networks
Co-operative networks are owned and operated by the users. All the members have a say in the management of the network.
An example is the Althea network in rural U.S. communities which brings connectivity to places where legacy networks can’t. It was founded in 2018 and offers fast and affordable multi-stakeholder networks.
Other Options
Local entrepreneurs may create small ISPs to serve a community. They can offer the type of customized services that larger ISPs often can’t.
Schools or universities may establish educational networks to offer internet access to faculty and students. They may extend these services to the surrounding community.
It helps when local governments, nonprofits and private ISPs collaborate to provide community internet. Collaboration can bring together regulatory support, resources and technical expertise.
Benefits of Community Internet
Community internet has many benefits, such as strengthening community life. Sharing of information and networking among residents and organizations means it is easier to organize and collectively address issues specific to the community. Equity and inclusion is one of the core strengths of community internet.
Affordable and Reliable
Community Internet service providers (CISPs) are often cheaper than large ISPs. Initiatives like prepaid internet help to make their services more affordable. They may offer various subsidized and low-cost plans.
CISPs often offer reliable and fast service compared to national providers. This is because their focus is on a specific geographic area. They can customize the infrastructure to meet local needs.
Supports Local Economic Development
Community Internet can boost local economies by attracting businesses, making startups possible and creating jobs. It can make communities more self-reliant and prosperous.
Small business owners with limited resources can transcend the barriers that distance and location impose. They get access to technology that many of them could not afford to access independently. This is particularly the case in low-income and rural communities. It provides a cost-effective and efficient way to do business.
Local ISPs will often reinvest in the areas in which they serve. They contribute to the local economy and support community initiatives.
Offers Access to Education and Health Care
Community Internet can make various educational opportunities available at a local level. Digital literacy programs can equip residents with the skills they need to navigate the digital world effectively. They can even represent their communities in regional, national or global forums. Forming and working on projects with others that can benefit the community is possible.
Access to e-clinics can provide residents with health care. This can be a great benefit in areas where access to health care is very limited.
More Accountability and Transparency
Community Internet is inherently more accountable and transparent to users. They have more control over funds and more oversight.
Community internet services often allow users more control over their data and privacy than when relying on corporate giants.
Helping You Connect Locally
Community internet is a key to closing the digital divide in areas that may have been left behind in the digital age. They can strengthen community life and promote local economic development. Community members have a means to communicate and participate in their communities. They have more access to educational opportunities, health care, jobs and more.