ISP associations came to ISPCON to show prospective members what they have to offer, touting tangible financial rewards, even as America voted for change.

by Alex Goldman ISP-Planet Managing Editor [November 10, 2006]

ISP associations have always worked to influence legislation that is all too often written by people who don't understand the internet, let alone the internet business. At ISPCON, however, associations were talking primarily about the tangible benefits they offer members.

WISPA
WISPA members showed up en masse. The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association brought several members. John Scrivner and Matt Larsen spoke at ISPCON sessions. Mac Dearman gave a short talk about his post-Katrina work and thanked everyone who contributed to the work themselves, or by sending their staff, or by sending money (one who sent money was Jon Price, who runs ISPCON).

At WISPA's evening session, Patrick Leary of Tel Aviv, Israel-based Alvarion introduced special pricing for WISPA members. WISPA members will receive a significant discount, about 74 percent, if they follow the program.

Other innovative devices were demonstrated at WISPA's evening session, such as this little box from a company called Meraki.

WISPA leaders said that there is room in the organization for new members who want to bring new ideas and energy to the association and for existing members to play a larger role in the association.

CISPA
CISPA, the California ISP Association, introduced new leadership. Mark Essner of Markon Corporation brings a Coast Guard background with decades of RF experience. Evan Rees, the new Executive Director, has completed a career in one of the most competitive work environments in the world: Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A).

CISPA touted its relationship with backbone provider Sonic.net, allowing members bulk rate pricing for DSL. At a conference luncheon, the association also touted its regular contact with federal, state, and local regulators and its history of achievement in this area.

FISPA
FISPA, the Federation of Internet Service Providers of the Americas, touted a similar deal for its members, offering bulk rate pricing on DSL for ISPs in BellSouth's coverage area.

Paul Rice, FISPA's president, was active on the show floor and attended many conference sessions.

Conclusion
ISP associations now appear to believe that they must offer more than lobbying and the coordination of ISP activism. Associations are eager to tout the virtues of cooperative buying. This is a positive trend.

We expect to see these associations working together on issues where they share an interest. There is none of the infighting that characterized earlier efforts to organize the ISP industry.

The elections, which occurred during day one of ISPCON, changed America. But the meaning of that change, for the ISP business, is not yet clear.

There's no guarantee that the new Congress will work for small business. Some fear tax increases. Furthermore, the FCC will remain unchanged.

But an evenly divided Senate and a House that opposes the President will combine to slow government down. As I write this, BroadbandReports' Karl Bode is optimistic but Xeni Jardin of Wired and BoingBoing is pessimistic about future internet legislation.

The true impact of this election may not be clear until the new Congress takes office in January. By that time, the associations should have an idea of what legislation is being considered. Expect to hear from these and other associations as proposals emerge, from committee, in the American way.

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