In 1979, the benefits of computer networks were not fully appreciated, even within the academic community. The ARPANET provided network services to a small group of researchers in academia and affiliated research laboratories. A number of community networks — Bitnet, CSNET, UUCP and SPAN/HEPNET¬-- served a growing number of users in universities and industry who understood the value of network connectivity to their teaching and research missions. These early activities led to a proposal for a national ScienceNet and later for a network to connect researchers to supercomputer centers. Ultimately, the National Science Foundation initiated the NSFNET Program and constructed an initial 56 kbps NSFNET backbone network. From the Series:NSFNET: The Partnership That Changed the World