Since the Internet market expanded and commercial ISPs began their
services in most U.S. cities and towns, it has been contended that community
networks are facing a serious challenge to their viability [1–3, 17].
The present study confirmed the challenge by reporting that a considerable
number of respondents were using a second ISP simultaneously for improved
access to the Internet. Also, although a recent Nielsen/NetRatings
reported that three out of four Americans have Internet access [29], and
the earlier typical user characteristics (i.e., educated young males with high
incomes) were not readily observed in the current study, a new dimension
of digital divide was identified in the process of uncovering the factors
affecting community network use. An important implication of these findings
is that the service providers and policy makers of community ICT
should pay closer attention not just to “access for all” but to “quality access
for all” in an era when the digital divide occurs in a more subtle way and
there are those who are left behind in the broadband Internet access.