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     Attention ALL Organizations, Businesses, and Individuals Requiring
         High Bandwidth / Low Cost Internet Access -- Introducing:
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          M I C H I G A N  I N T E R N E T   C O O P E R A T I V E
                           A S S O C I A T I O N
                                (MICA.net)

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           ======== "Where Information Is Your Advantage" ========
           ------------------------------------------------------- 

   http://www.mica.net                                    info@coop.mica.net


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Co.op.er.a.tive: n  An enterprise or organization OWNED by and OPERATED
                    for the benefit of those using its services.
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Michigan Internet Cooperative Association (MICA.net) has been organized
as a cooperative in order to provide low cost and highly reliable Internet
access, with full use of the Internet for commercial purposes.  Everyone
who wants to use MICA's service must join the Cooperative and become a
member.  Members can (and are encouraged) to attend corporate meetings and 
have a vote in the operation of the cooperative.


======================================
 MICA's TARGETED MEMBERS/PARTICIPANTS
======================================

 - Organizations that understand the underlying principles of the Internet,
   and know how to use it to their own individual benefit.

 - Organizations who already have infrastructure in place to utilize
   large quantities of Internet bandwidth.
 
 - Organizations that have the previous 2 qualities, and are *READY* to
   make their electronic entrance to the GLOBAL village.

 - Network integration firms and consultants who wish to establish a
   relationship with a cost effective and reliable Internet access provider
   for solving their client's access needs.


=======================
  FOUNDING PRINCIPLES 
=======================

MICA.net was founded in mid-1994, under the following founding principles:
 
1. Emphasis of developing a cooperative spirit for Internet connectivity.
   By sharing the cost of access to the Internet, many more organizations
   and individuals can enjoy the benefits of active participation on 
   the Information Data Superhighway.
 
2. Commitment to building Internet connections based on industry standard
   components.  MICA's communications equipment is from the leading
   companies.  We will provide our members with assurance that network
   operations will be reliable and highly flexible.

3. Members are free to use all applications they can access through the
   Internet.  MICA imposes no restrictions beyond our acceptable use
   policy (AUP), and the respective regional network's AUPs.

4. Membership in the Cooperative ensures NO hidden charges.  All rates
   are on a flat monthly fee.


=============================
 AVAILABLE LEVELS OF SERVICE
=============================

MICA offers four basic types of service, with each one offering unique
value to members based on their Internet access needs.  Individual 
accommodation may be negotiated to meet special needs of members, but
the services summarized here are expected to accommodate nearly ALL members.

1. Individual Dial-up IP Service

   This service is the basic SLIP/PPP connection generally recommended for
   using web browsers such as Mosaic, Netscape, Chameleon, etc.	
   Web browsers are graphical user interface (GUI) based navigational tools 
   utilized on the Internet's fast growing segment, the World Wide Web (W3).
   Along with web browsers, other Internet utilities such as Gopher, WAIS,
   Archie, Veronica, Usenet readers, and others are available as well.

   This service is provided using SLIP/PPP protocol, using 28.8 Kbps V.34
   modems.  Modem 'hunt' pool technology is utilized to provide this 
   service at an affordable cost.

2. Dedicated Dial-on-Demand IP Service

   As a cost saving alternative to the 'leased line service' connection,
   subscribing members may furnish their local area network (LAN) with
   full Internet access via a router and modem through a DEDICATED telephone
   line.  With this service, MICA dedicates router resources, a modem, and 
   an incoming telephone line at our site, and the subscribing member 
   provides similar arrangements within their communications center.
   This service is provided using SLIP/PPP protocol, using 28.8 Kbps
   V.34 modems.

3. Leased Line Service
  
   This service targets organizations that wish to furnish their LANs
   with high speed Internet access.  Dedicated communication circuits
   provide the high bandwidth needed to support multiple simultaneous 
   Internet sessions.  The supported local access speeds offered range
   from 56 Kbps through T1 (1.544 Mbps), with higher speeds becoming
   available as technology advances.

4. Concentrator Hub Service

   Hub service is designed for individuals and organizations that do not
   need the network connection to be brought physically into their site,
   but require high bandwidth and full-time Internet access.  The 
   subscribing member's host computer would be connected to MICA's
   LAN.  The LAN connection can either be dedicated or shared depending
   on the bandwidth and security requirements.  A dedicated Ethernet 
   port has the added advantage of offering full LAN bandwidth to each
   port/user.  The concentrator hub service allows members to have World
   Wide Web (WWW) home pages, FTP archives, Gopher and Veronica servers,
   and shell account services.

And, in addition to these four types of access services, MICA also
will provide the following three host-services for subscribing members
who request them.  They are:

1. Domain Name Service (DNS) 
2. Electronic Mail Handling
3. Usenet News Service
 
 
==================
  CURRENT STATUS 
==================

All of MICA's offered services are fully operational, and memberships are 
being processed daily.  Orders are currently being filled on a 
first come, first serve basis.

MICA's Data Center is centrally located in Southfield Michigan,
with affordable lease-line costs to our point-of-presence being available
to most of the metro-Detroit area.


======================
 POINTS TO PONDER....
======================

Remember.... due to the cooperative nature of our organization, YOU
(as a member of MICA) become part owner of YOUR Internet Network
Service provider.  And along with that ownership, comes a VOICE in directing
how that service will be provided AND kept current with the latest
technology (i.e. Asynchronous Transfer Mode - ATM, ISDN, etc.)

What BETTER way to tap the vast potential of the Internet?

By joining MICA, you and your organization will be utilizing (and owning)
a Network Services Provider that *instantly* affiliates you with other
similar Internet users who want to share LOW cost / HIGH bandwidth
Internet access!


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>>> For further information, write or call: <<<

Michigan Internet Cooperative Association
  P.O. Box 40899
  Redford, MI 48240

Phone: 313.355.1438
Email: info@coop.mica.net
  WWW: http://www.mica.net  (Check out MICA's "kEwL StuFf" page!!!)

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 MICA FAQ Sheet
 --------------

Q. The Michigan Internet Cooperative Association is a Cooperative Internet
   Service Provider. What is the difference between an Online Service Provider
   and an Internet Service Provider?
    
   An Online Service Provider is an organization which owns and operates
   from one to several hundred computer systems attached to a telephone 
   communications system. Online service providers usually sell access 
   accounts on their host computer systems for a fee, charging on a
   monthly basis or on a per hour usage arrangement. By dialing a telephone
   number with a modem, users communicate to the host service provider's 
   computers. If the telephone number is long distance, the customer pays
   the charge.

   Once connected, subscribers may have a large assortment of applications at
   their disposal on the host system. This includes electronic mail, file 
   storage (either temporary or permanent), bulletin boards, databases, 
   electronic conferencing centers, games and sometimes, processing 
   capability. Some online service providers have computers directly
   attached to the Internet, thereby allowing its customers very limited  
   access to the thousands of Internet applications and services such as 
   Telnet, FTP, Email or UseNet.

   Network Service Providers have the ability to connect business, 
   organizations, or individual's personal computer and workstations directly
   to the Internet. No host account is required to gain access to the Internet. 
   Your workstation is an Internet peer, just like the Illinois supercomputer,
   an Ethernet-connected Sun workstation or the university library system.
   Once on the Internet, a personal computer, workstation or host becomes an 
   active participant on the Internet.

   In addition, network providers may also have the capability to provide host 
   services via dialup modem access. Unlike dialup online service providers, 
   no third party host accounts are required to maintain an Internet presence. 
   Other Internet hosts can send files, messages, video and voice data
   directly to your computer.


Q. What are the advantages of using a Network Service Provider over an Online
   Service Provider?

   The connection you establish on the Internet through a Network Service 
   Provider makes your computer an addressable peer on the Internet. This 
   means you can use Telnet, FTP, Gopher, WAIS clients, Mosaic, Email and  
   other services directly from your computer without the dependence of 
   another host system. In other words, your workstation(s) are active 
   participants on the Internet and other Internet users may send files, 
   Email messages or pass video and voice data directly to your computer. 
   Online service providers usually do not offer this kind of service without
   an individual or group incurring a large substantial cost.


Q. What are the advantages of a Cooperative?

   Like other Cooperatives, such a electric, farmers, credit unions, all 
   members have a say in operations and future directions. By combining the
   resources of many members to obtain an Internet resource, a cooperative 
   leverages the cost of effective Internet service, making it affordable to 
   a to a broader base of organizations than would otherwise have access to
   the Internet.


Q. Are there any Internet Services offered by the Coop that are unique?

   Yes, MICA offers a Hub Node service. This service provides a network 
   connection the Coop's local concentrator. Benefits of our Hub Node 
   service include a high speed/low cost presence on the Internet. The
   primary use of such service would be to provide information and services
   to the Internet community and other Coop members. An example would be a
   World-Wide Web Server, FTP set, or Email chat server. Other benefits to a
   member: less cost and complication factor, minimized Interet security risks
   and fault isolation.


Q. What advantages are there to joining the Coop over another Internet 
   Service Provider?

   Ownership - Members have an investment in a shared infrastructure. Members
   own part of their Internet provider.

   Control - Every member has a vote on Coop operations. Members have a direct 
   influence on decisions that affect Internet access for present and future 
   operations.

   Efficiency/Less Bureaucracy - The Coop has been designed to be a flat and 
   lean organization. You only pay for shared equipment costs and recurring 
   expenses. The Coop supports only the central Coop infrastructure.

   Fewer Restrictions - Members decide how they utilize their bandwidth. There
   are no restrictions as long as a member's use does not interfere with other 
   Coop members or with the rest of the Internet community.


Q. Why are there start-up charges?

   Start-up costs cover the entire cost to provide an Internet connection.
   Depending on service, costs can include the purchase of hardware (such as 
   a modem or DSU/CSU) plus the prorated portion of shared equipment such as 
   routers, terminal servers, concentrators, spares and other miscellaneous 
   costs. When hardware at the Coop fails, spares are provided at no 
   additional cost to a member. Start-up costs do NOT include any labor charge 
   to install the connection at a member site at this time. All labor provided 
   to a member is on a volunteer basis by other Coop members. This ensures 
   that your service fees are as low as possible.


Q. Do the Coop service rates include local phone company charges?

   Basically, no. This is a fairly standard practice within the Internet 
   Service Provider industry. For dialup IP service, the member must have a 
   regular telephone line to use at the member's site. However, the telephone
   line at the Coop side of the connection is provided. The Coop may in the 
   future offer 800 service only if it becomes cost effective for the Coop 
   membership. Right now, the cost of 800 service is very expensive and such
   service costs would have to be passed on. However, a member could order 
   their own 800 service to forward to their Coop dial-in number.

   For leased line services, telecommunication charges are the responsibility 
   of the member. These charges are dependent on the locations.


Q. Who provides technical support of Coop network services?

   Our membership collectively provides technical support. Coop members 
   bring many years of experience working with and managing large corporate 
   networks. Many of the members in the Coop have computer-related businesses,
   so there is a vested interest in keeping their Internet connection 
   accessible to the rest of the Internet community. Those Coop members with 
   time and expertise volunteer to support the network operations: configuring
   new member service connections, changing member service connections, 
   installing new equipment, and monitoring data traffic volume/flow.
   Proactive network management is an integral part of network operations. The
   Coop will provide an answering system, Email address, and a 24 hour, 7 
   days a week emergency pager support.

   Please note that all coop members are expected to install and maintain 
   their end of their coop service connection. The Coop cannot be expected to
   hand-hold each new member through the fundamentals of telecommunications,
   modems, Unix, TCP/IP, routing, PPP, and Email.

   If a member does not have the expertise in installing and maintaining a 
   TCP/IP Internet connection, a referral system is in place within the Coop 
   to put members in touch with network professionals that do provide these
   services. This is usually a Coop member.


Q. Does the Coop provide online service access or shell accounts?

   Basically, no. Interactive accounts are costly to maintain in labor and 
   system resources. With an active peer host participating on the Internet
   all Internet applications are available (over 2,000 at last count) directly 
   to a members system(s) utilizing any one of the Internet connection 
   services provided by the Coop. Providing host online service or shell 
   accounts is redundant.


Q. Who provides the UseNet feed and primary DNS service for me?

   Since Coop members are expected to be connected all the time, each member
   should provide their own primary DNS server and accept SMTP mail directly.
   Secondary DNS services is a Cooperative matter, usually provided by other 
   Coop members.


Q. Can members purchase their own equipment on the Coop side of the
   connection?

   At this time, no set vendor has been specified for any of the equipment 
   required for Coop services. However, this will change relatively soon. The
   Technical Review Committee will select high performance/least cost equipment 
   vendors. Some guidelines the Coop will follow when selecting vendors for
   communications equipment: vendor's products must adhere to current network
   industry standards, maintainability, and mean time to failure rate.


Q. Does the Coop provide SLIP/PPP service?

   Yes.  The coop currently supports SLIP access service, with PPP being
   offered by mid to late April.  Service is priced at a flat rate, with
   UNLIMITED usage hours.  This service is available via a modem hunt-group,
   or dedicated modem/phone line mode.  Dedicated mode will be slightly more
   costly, but will ensure that a connection is ALWAYS available when it is
   needed.

   MICA's rates for this service are competitive, considering the reliability
   and unlimited use of this service, but by no means are the lowest avail-
   able for this, the _lowest_ level of service that we provide.  MICA has
   consciously priced this service at $40 a month with a $50 start-up cost
   to ensure MICA's stability and profitability.  MICA's _true_ price
   savings can be found in the utilization of our *high bandwidth* dedicated
   type connections.  Call or write for pricing details.


Q. Will the coop provide ISDN, Frame Relay, or T3 service?

   Not right now. In the future, as membership grows and new service needs are
   identified, the Coop could provide such services. ISDN access and pricing
   ARE currently being explored by the Coop, and will be available as soon 
   as MICA receives enough demand to warrant it.  Pricing for such a 
   service will most likely still be LOWER than our non-Coop based 
   competition.

* END OF FAQ *


tdb/TDB

tbenner@coop.mica.net
ah262@detroit.freenet.org
-- 
 =|-------+      Michigan Internet Cooperative Association (MICA.net)
     +----|    "Providing Members with Affordable Internet Cost Sharing"
     |       Phone/FAX-back: 810.355.1438    (*ALIVE* and *ONLINE* in '95!)
     +---- WWW: http://www.mica.net    e-mail: tbenner@coop.mica.net -------|=