With the passing of the Broadband Stimulus Plan it has become evident to me that it WISPA needs to encourage its members to join the mailing lists designed to localize WISP communication and issues. These lists are the State Lists that have been in place for several years. Please go to http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo and choose the states which your business operates in and subscribe. These lists are unmoderated, but to be approved, you must be an operating WISP in the state you are requesting a subscription to. We also encourage participation of State Broadband Coordinators and certain University faculty that have proven to be WISP friendly.
In the coming months, this localized venue of communication will become increasingly important. I encourage you to get to know the other WISPs in your state and begin to consider peering opportunities and partnerships in developing projects for Grant Approval. I am not going to elaborate anymore at this time, but am strongly suggesting cooperative alliances and open communication at the state level be facilitated. I encourage each of you joining a state list to introduce yourself to the list members. I also encourage that someone start organizing a meeting in each state to bring all the WISPs together to begin discussions. I know it will make it easier for the Board to communicate with a certain group in some cases rather than the whole membership. We also encourage those WISPs who have not joined WISPA yet to go to http://signup.wispa.org and do so today. Principal membership is only $250. Below is a list of benefits: WISPA Principal Membership Benefits WISPA is the only trade association for Wireless ISPs that is owned by the members in the wireless Internet industry and run by a board elected by the members. WISPA uses the support and influence of its members to grow and become a major contributor to our industry's efforts before the FCC, Federal, State and Local governments. WISPA is a very active and focused organization. Some of our accomplishments include: . Establishment of an independent standard for CALEA compliance that is available to all WISPA members at no charge . WISPA has established relationships with attorneys and lobbyists in Washington DC to help enhance the visibility and credibility of the WISP industry with the FCC and other governmental entities . WISPA prepares comments for FCC NPRMs and provides talking points and example letters for members to use when visiting with State and Federal legislators . WISPA organizes and funds trips to Washington DC for visits with legislators, FCC Commissioners and other governmental entities . Organizes WISP-centered tracks at trade shows . Maintains a collection of useful legal documents, business documents, powerpoints and spreadsheets for members to use in their WISP operations . Maintains 100+ industry specific mailing lists and discussions about the WISP industry and legislative efforts about specific issues . WISPA Vendor members often provide discounts only available to WISPA members . WISPA supports collection of demographic data concerning the WISP industry . WISPA gives out annual awards in recognition of outstanding industry accomplishments These are just a few examples of the many things that WISPA does for the WISP Industry. We would greatly appreciate your support! Respectfully, Rick Harnish
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