MonadNet represents a partnership of the public and private sectors on a far larger scale. We've been meeting weekly, gathering information about how to set up the network and the Internet connection, and debating the alternative ways of purchasing network services and redistributing them in the community. Over a hundred people representing businesses, public institutions, and the general public attended a recent meeting to hear the results of the technical committee's work, to provide data on the scope of their needs for and interest in Internet access and to consider committing themselves to the project. Substantial numbers of small and startup business and individual accounts are also expected. It remains to be seen whether the tangible enthusiasm shown at the meeting will eventuate in enough commitments, but our committee was solidly optimistic after the meeting.
Organisers have high expectations for community computer networks.
This transformation will not happen overnight, just as the availability of telephones and television sets did not transform the world overnight. But a major positive transformation will occur over time, with increasing momentum, because of the vast empowerment of the individual that results from network access. MonadNet has yet to locate supporters with pockets as deep as the Bell Atlantic telephone company, but then, MonadNet does not envision wiring every workplace and dwellingplace in town directly into the network, so its costs should be substantially less than Blacksburg's. See the accompanying sidebar for information on alternative versions of community networks. Canada, in fact, is a leader in establishing community networks.