Press release Issued: 26 October 2002 MERCATOR PARTNERS SELECTED BY BROADBAND AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP STRATEGY Mercator Partners, a strategy consulting firm specializing in technology and communications, has been selected by the Michigan Broadband Development Authority to assist in developing their high-speed Internet development strategy for the state of Michigan. The Michigan Broadband Development Authority (the Broadband Authority) was created and given public bonding powers by the Michigan Legislature in March 2002 with the stated mission to accelerate the build-out of broadband infrastructure and deployment of high-speed Internet connections and applications throughout the state of Michigan. “Mercator’s experience and expertise in evaluating projects and investments in the telecommunications sector make them uniquely qualified to help build out our strategy and application review process”, noted Bill Rosenberg, President and Chairman of the Broadband Authority. “The level of broadband knowledge brought to the table by Mercator could not be matched by other mainstream management consulting firms that competed for this contract.” Mercator Partners will work with the Broadband Authority over the next twelve months in three critical roles: Strategy Development- develop initial strategy for accelerating broadband deployment and utilization in the state of Michigan Project Execution- assist identify, evaluate and execute investment and development projects, and ongoing portfolio management Capability Building- assist develop processes, tools and organizational infrastructure for long-term sustainability“ We are delighted with this opportunity to help the Broadband Authority achieve its mission”, said Charles Gildehaus, CEO and founder of Mercator Partners, “the pace of broadband deployment is being driven by a complex set of drivers, and the Broadband Authority has the right resources and focus to accelerate this pace and establish Michigan as the leading state for high-speed connectivity.” - Ends -