N-1-3-012.70.3, "GlasNet", by Anatoly Voronov, GlasNet, the Moscow-based computer network, member of the APC (Association for Progressive Communications, San Francisco, USA), continues its steady expansion. Currently, it has more than 500 users, who access a host 386 Unix box (which will be upgraded to 486 in the near future) by 20 dial-up lines and 2 dial-up ISKRA-2 lines. (ISKRA-2 is a separate, intercity telephone network built for the Communist nomenklatura, and after the "perestroika", it was opened to the public.) Still, the connection with the West poses problems. Actually, GlasNet polls the PeaceNet host in San Francisco and the GreenNet host in London using a dial-up connection with Telebit modems. The rates for International calls in Russia are growing and affecting the GlasNet budget (the network has a non-profit status). The GlasNet "Modems for Democracy" Project To make GlasNet services available to the widest possible circle of users, and bearing in mind the modem shortage in the FSU (former Soviet Union), GlasNet, sponsored by NED (National Endowment for Democracy, Washington, USA) decided to provide modems to non-commercial, non-government organizations working to advance democracy in the former Soviet states. For a nominal monthly fee of 150 Rubles ($1), GlasNet will lease these modems on a renewable basis to organizations which meet the following criteria: 1. Non-commercial, non-government status; 2. A history of successful contributions to democratization, protection of human rights, and other progressive goals; 3. A desire and capacity to use GlasNet electronic communications to advance these objectives, including access to a computer. GlasNet will retain ownership of the modems to prevent their resale or misuse. The Internet Society News readers who can suggest the prospective grantees in the FSU, are encouraged to convey their considerations with regard to this GlasNet project to Bill Fick (fick@glas.apc.org). In October, GlasNet plans to accept a subnet PilotNet, which is a joint educational project of the Ministry of Education of Russia and IBM World Trade Europe/Middle East/Africa Corp. Computers and modems were donated to a number of schools in different FSU cities. Now these schools will have the access to the enhanced opportunities of international telecommunications offered by GlasNet.