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Founded in 1992 by people affiliated with Carleton University, National Capital Freenet (NCF), is a non-profit community organization internet service provider, with the goal of linking people in Canada's capital of Ottawa.[1]
NCF was the second free-net set up world-wide.[2]
Contents |
Mission
The stated mission of NCF is:
"The National Capital FreeNet is a free, computer-based information sharing network. It links the people and organizations of this region, provides useful information, and enables an open exchange of ideas with the world. Community involvement makes FreeNet an important and accessible meeting place, and prepares people for full participation in a rapidly changing communications environment."[1]
History
"The National Capital FreeNet (NCF) in Ottawa is considered to be a Canadian model of successful community networking. It was established in 1992 as a non-commercial, co-operative, community project with the active participation of volunteers, Carleton University, and private industry (which donated modems and the communications equipment for connecting the FreeNet to the local public library)."[3]
NCF was started to ensure that no one in Ottawa would be excluded from internet access.[4]
The early days of this free-net featured dial up service and web access using the Lynx browser. Members typically used the system to access usenet, telenet, e-mail and Gopher. As the web became popular many new internet users became NCF members before they went to a PPP provider for graphic access to the web. AS the web evolved NCF began offering dial up PPP access.[1]
In September 2005, NCF introduced DSL service for members, acting as a cooperative. The fees from DSL access, set at $29.95 per month, are used to help subsidize the dial-up service for less advantaged residents.[5]
Membership
This community network hosts many non-profit organizations and provides free Internet service for Ottawa residents. Fees are collected but no one will be turned away for lack of money. NCF is mostly volunteer run with a board of directors and four paid staff.[1]
Over the years 75,000 people have been NCF members, although many have moved out of the area or moved up from NCF's original dial-up only service to commercial providers.[6] The organization continues to grow and has about 8000 current and active members as of 2007.[1]
Many NCF members have gone on to careers in the Ottawa hi-tech industry after beginning with NCF dial-up access.[4]
Servers
NCF's servers are housed at Carleton University.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f National Capital Freenet (undated). An Introduction to the National Capital FreeNet. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ Ouellette, André (2002). The new National Capital FreeNet. @monitor.ca. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
- ^ Shade, Leslie Reagan (1999). Canadian Journal of Communication, Roughing It in the Electronic Bush: Community Networking in Canada. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.
- ^ a b CJOH Television (2003). National Capital FreeNet Tenth Anniversary. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ National Capital Freenet (undated). High-Speed DSL Internet Access from NCF. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
- ^ NewRO Television (2003). National Capital FreeNet Tenth Anniversary. Retrieved on 2007-12-16.
