What is a regional net?
Regional networks provide connectivity between end users and the NSFNET backbone. Most universities and large organizations are connected by leased line to a regional provider. There are currently about a dozen regional networks. Some of the regional networks receive subsidies from the NSF; many receive subsidies from state governments. A large share of their funds are collected through connection fees charged to organizations that attach their local networks to the mid-levels. For example, a large university will typically pay $60,000-$100,000 per year to connect to a regional.
