We can realise some of the promise of modern communications on a local level at a fraction of the commercial cost by building our own supplements to the Internet. By working together to build clusters of interconnecting 'nodes' using widely available networking products and optimising existing local services where possible to re-distribute network access and free the exchange of information further. Traditional wired and wireless techniques are being used to make links and a fresh and open attitude has been adopted toward sharing of information and resources. From here you will be able to pick up information, identify participants in your local area and discover more about getting involved. It started in the UK where hundreds of interested node builders have made a start and begun talking to each other.
Similar initiatives exist through out the world.
You will have to supply your own equipment, build a node and work with those near you to establish a link. Where wireless links are made between participants, guidelines on the limitations of radio power and pollution have been laid out in the licence permitting use of 2.4ghz under certain circumstances. As long as participants are extending their own LAN and do not offer network service 'by way of business' then all will be well. Don't cancel your ISP account just yet. Someday soon it could well be all the supplement you need.