To survive, the network must become institutionalized and self-sustaining in terms of funding, staffing and management. It is especially important that community networks survive the departure of the original initiators, volunteers and donors. Sustainability, especially financial sustainability, is a constant concern for community networks. Financial difficulties are compounded because many, but not all, community networks are adamant about providing free services to all members of the community. Related to funding is the difficulty of maintaining the necessary level of fund raising and possible burnout of volunteers.
Good management is essential for a community network to survive.
The management must evolve as needs change and networks face some of their toughest problems moving from the founding individuals to a professionally-run organization. Growth Growth means not just increasing the number of users of the network but also expanding the services offered. Growth is a sign of success because it means the network is fulfilling a need in the community. This is particularly important since a community network can only begin to be measured against its long-term goals when it and the technology become ubiquitous. Access As mentioned previously, several community networks have undertaken surveys to assess who is using the network and how.