Item: News Release

From: I Spot Networks, LLC

Subject: Iowa Rest Areas/Welcome Centers First in the Nation to Provide Free Wireless Internet Access and Traveler Information Statewide

Date: August 4, 2005

Travelers on the Iowa Interstate system now have another reason to stop at a Rest Area or Welcome Center – FREE wireless internet access and traveler information. I Spot Networks, a Des Moines based wireless internet management company, under contract with the Iowa Dept. of Transportation, has recently completed installation of wireless internet access points at all Interstate Rest Areas and many Welcome Centers along the Iowa Interstates. At any of the 47 internet hotspot locations, travelers will have access to road conditions, up-to-the-minute weather reports, travel delays, Amber Alerts and traveler services at no charge. Iowa DOT Rest Area Administrator Steve McMenamin said, “We are excited to be able to provide this service to Iowans and those visiting our state...undoubtedly other states will be looking to ours as a leader in traveler information services.”

Besides Interstate and weather conditions, road warriors will have access to area services and attractions through the Highway Hotspots Traveler Network’s BlueSign+ advertising program. BlueSign+ is a program that travelers can access free of charge that shows available food, lodging, local attractions and service information near their location, and further down the road. “This type of regional information will benefit the traveler by providing more current information with more detail than ever before” explained Mark Wheeler, President of I Spot Networks.

Under the multi-year agreement established between I Spot Networks and the Iowa DoT, the system was installed at no cost to the state or taxpayers. “This Highway Hotspot network is 100% advertiser supported, providing a new advertising medium for businesses on or near the Interstate”, said Wheeler. “This will allow travelers the opportunity to identify regional activities and services, and explore Iowa like never before.” All that is required to access a hotspot is a Wi-Fi enabled laptop, PDA or cell-phone using standard 802.11b connectivity.

A 7-month pilot program was conducted, during which I Spot Networks set up 8 Rest Areas for wireless access. From July, 2004 through January 2005, over 117,000 users logged into the system, demonstrating the demand for mobile access. Based on this trial, I Spot Networks estimates that more than one in six Rest Area visitors will use the system annually. The number is expected to climb as awareness among Iowa's traveling-public grows. Last year, 18.5 million people traveled across the Iowa Interstate system. “Nationwide, more people are traveling with laptops and looking for Wi-Fi hotspots to stay connected”, added Wheeler, “This statewide network will appeal to business travelers, families, RVers and truckers who are used to finding services and doing business on the internet.” A free “Access Pass” is available online that will allow users to connect to the internet, but is not required to access road conditions or the Traveler Network.

While other states are actively exploring similar systems, the Iowa network is the first to go on-line statewide. “Iowa is a perfect location to pioneer new services that benefit both travelers and businesses along the Interstates”, explained Wheeler, “and while Iowa is the first, you can bet that most other states will embrace this kind of service offering shortly.”

More information, advertiser info and a free Access Pass signup page can be found at www.HighwayHotspots.com or by calling 515-274-8719.

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I Spot Networks, L.L.C. is a wireless network management, promotions and consulting firm based in Des Moines, Iowa. The company, founded in March 2002, owns or operates free, public-access wireless networks in several communities throughout the Midwest.

Highway Hotspots is a division of I Spot, managing advertising and media services for the Highway Hotspots Travel Network.

Links:

Highway Hotspots:

www.HighwayHotspots.com

Highway Hotspots Virtual Media Center

www.HighwayHotspots.com/VMC

Latest DoT Press Release:

www.dot.state.ia.us/morgue/news2005/07270501.htm

Pilot Program Announcement – DoT Press Release

www.dot.state.ia.us/02030501.htm

Reply/More Info: Mark Wheeler

Mark@HighwayHotspots.com

T 515-274-8719 ext. 300

F 515-223-5777