Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Michael Tharp <gxti AT partiallystapled.com>]

Magnus wrote:
> I'm suggesting that the cooperative *NOT* provide internet connection
> itself.  This is just a last mile network.  And provide a level playing
> field for ISP's to compete for the business of cooperative members.
> Maybe you use a VPN client or something similar to exit the last mile
> network.

I love this idea! It'd be interesting to have a hybrid of a co-op mesh
(peering between regional last-mile networks) and ISP-provided transit.
That way the p2p traffic never hits the "real" internet, but more
traditional traffic goes through to providers on a per-customer basis.
VPN would be a good solution to get "out", and ISPs could also offer
mail/storage/web hosting.

For example, you move into your new house and without paying anything
can talk to everyone, but to get a significant connection, you pay an
ISP for a route to a reliable backbone.

-- m. tharp