This paper discusses the market for rapidly expanding information technology and the benefits of developing community computer networks. Accessible low-cost community networks allow rural communities to provide specific training and educational opportunities tailored to their needs. However, communities must assess the value of connectivity options rather than be dazzled by technological glitz. Big Sky Telegraph (BST) began in 1988 as a rural telecomputing testbed at Western Montana College, by offering an online course via modem to rural K-12 teachers. BST customized its function and services based on advice from practicing teachers and since then has offered free access and online lessons to all citizens interested in learning the benefits of telecomputing. BST offers many services including six community bulletin board systems; Internet E-mail; Internet self-teaching lessons; rosters of K-12 telecurricular projects; graphics; and free local and global customized databases to serve K-12 education and local citizen entrepreneurship and teleliteracy. Bulletin board systems can serve as cost-effective local networks accessing specific Internet services, as opposed to paying for full Internet connectivity. Barriers to community networking are related to enlightened self-interest versus short-term profit motives, lack of teleliteracy among leadership, fear of technology, citizen teleliteracy development needs, and control of information. This paper concludes that national, regional, and local governments should develop programs for funding grassroots innovations toward developing community networks. (LP)