Internex Online, usually known as io.org, was the first consumer dial-up
ISP
An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet. ISPs can be organized in various forms, such as commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or otherwise private ...
in
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
, formed by the merger of
r-node and
zooid BBS, two
Bulletin board system
A bulletin board system (BBS), also called computer bulletin board service (CBBS), is a computer server running software that allows users to connect to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, the user can perform functions such as ...
and Usenet/uucp systems, in early 1993. At its peak, it had about 10,000 customers, and was credited for leading in low cost access.
In November 1995 Internex was bought by Greenlight Communications, and six months later Greenlight sold it, along with most of Greenlight's assets, to ACC Telenterprises, where it was quickly absorbed into their general pool of internet subscribers.
Aside from its grass-roots and hackish beginnings, Internex Online was notable for an early commitment to provide free services (free access was available during non peak times), as well as an involved community.
Internex Online was the first home of
iComm, a community initiative providing internet services to
charitable
The practice of charity is the voluntary giving of help to those in need, as a humanitarian act, unmotivated by self-interest. There are a number of philosophies about charity, often associated with religion.
Etymology
The word ''charity'' ori ...
and
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
organizations.
External links
A Brief history of Internex Online by one of its foundersGreenlight Communications Inc. Acquires Internex On Line Inc.
Greenlight Communications to Support ACC Telenterprises in Providing Internet Services to Ontario Colleges
*
ttp://cd.textfiles.com/thegreatunsorted/hacking/internet/FEE/FEE050 Internex telnet login screen
{{Canada-company-stub
Internet service providers of Canada
Companies disestablished in 1995