Local governments are also beginning to use the service to access state databases. Not yet operational, Access Net will be another network for state and local governments. Access Net will allow users to access state information, email, and the Internet. For government entities with limited funds or limited access needs, North Carolina will soon offer dial-up access to email, file transfer protocol, databases, and the Internet. Applications Public access Because they cannot afford access to information and services through the NCIH and are not permitted to use the government networks, many citizens rely on local freenets to access information and services.
Citizens typically have to register to obtain an email address and to access the freenet resources.
Freenets are usually established through a consortium of city governments, academic institutions, and private businesses. Matching funding for Charlotte's Web comes from a Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Triangle Freenet serves the Research Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and is sponsored by Orange County, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University. The Mountain Area Information Network serves the Asheville area. Economic Development North Carolina hopes that its investment in the NCIH will spur economic development, drawing businesses that need high-speed data facilities to North Carolina.