In Germany the situation is different to what we can read about the developments in the US and in the Netherlands. Years ago a German proverb about telecommuting stated that there are more papers on telecommuting than telecommuters. This has changed a bit, but not dramatically. There are lots of definitions of community networks.
Examples are the type writer, telegraphy, telephone, radio, TV, and computer.
The Zeitgeist takes a little longer in Germany to succeed. Free-nets survived but they are extremely small inhabited islands in the ocean of the Internet. The users were technically interested persons who communicated via new technologies about technologies as you can often find at the beginning of technological developments, e.g. the wireless transmission or handy-talk. They gave place to moderated discussions amongst citizens. Probably the biggest parts of the applications were advertisements for cinemas, pizza services, public transportation, and social and sports events.