Robert Mammel wrote: > > If libraries sold books, would there be any book stores? > > If libraries sell Internet dial in access (become an ISP) will there be any > commercial Internet Service Providers? > Once a subsidized service is in place in a marginal profit area, such as in > rural communities, is it likely that any non-subsidized provider will ever > brave that market? Just the opposite happened here in northwest Oregon. After forming a local community partnership to create access, a state supported network was the only ISP willing to talk with us. We joined with them and payed their hardware and line costs to bring 3 POPs to cover the county with toll free access. That was two years ago. We now have 8 ISPs with local presence, the original subsidized ISP and 7 private providers that seem to be doing quite well. The trick, I think, was public awareness, training and promotion of the Internet to create a rapidly growing user base that encouraged other private ISPs to come in. If the subsidized POP hadn't been willing to participate, we might still be without service. -- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In Balance, Link Shadley * * LANCE - Ecotrust - Clatsop Community College * * (503) 325-9657 lshadley@orednet.org * * lshadley@seasurf.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *