FISPA Joins Internet Alliance.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2002

Federation of Internet Solutions Providers of the Americas (FISPA), a coalition of Internet service providers, has joined the Internet Alliance, the nation's premier Internet trade association. The Internet Alliance provides its members with government affairs analysis and advocacy in the 50 state legislatures.

FISPA Executive Director Joe Marion explained the decision: "State lawmakers have turned their gaze to the Internet. They have focused on issues directly related to the online economy and an Internet Service Provider's bottom line. About 25 percent of all state lawmakers were newly elected in November, providing us an opportunity to engage them in a dialog about Internet Service Providers. The Internet Alliance is uniquely positioned to do that for us. They understand what's going on in the 50 states. They provide members with real solutions to real problems, cutting-edge strategic advice and a clear analysis of the issues, the politics and the players."

Internet Alliance Executive Director Emily Hackett added: "FISPA is a powerful addition to our member base. They understand the consumer and business issues that are so often discussed when lawmakers consider legislation aimed at the online marketplace. FISPA believes consumers and the online merchants can work together to solve these problems. They will help us bring this message to the states."

FISPA, located in Delray Beach, Florida, calls their 200 members "solution" providers because they represent companies who provide a whole range of services including Internet Access, Web Hosting, Web Design and an ever increasing number of other services all which use the Internet to facilitate a solution.

About FISPA

FISPA was founded in May 1996, to represent the interests of Internet solution providers. FISPA offers members education, a place to network and facilitate discussion as well as discounts on products and services. FISPA educates the public about the importance of the Internet industry, supports quality standards and practices for Internet Solutions Providers and creates a single voice presenting the concerns of the Internet industry. For more information, visit our web site at: www.fispa.org.

About Internet Alliance

The Internet Alliance is the nations leading state government affairs advocate tracking and lobbying new economy issues in all 50 states. The IA provides members with real-time reporting and analysis on state legislation and develops and implements strategies to influence proposals in any state house where a threat or an opportunity appears. IA members include: AOL/Time Warner, CompTIA, eBay, Experian, FISPA, IBM, Topica, TRUSTe and Verisign. For more information, visit our website at: www.internetalliance.org.