FIST is the Forum for operators and (internet) service providers concerning interconnection and special access. FIST is a consultative body: every operator and service provider registered with OPTA can become a member. FIST was established in 1996 by the Netherlands Ministry of Transport and Communications.

OPTA is the Netherlands Regulatory Authority for the Telecommunications and Postal sector.

TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research in Delft, plays an important role in this Forum. Objectives and organization of FIST Main objective of FIST is to reach an agreement concerning matters of interconnection and special access. FIST consists of two working groups and various taskforces. The results of task forces are reported to the FIST working groups 'Product Development and Transparency' and 'Implementation'. The main purpose of the former study group is to develop services, while the latter is responsible for the actual implementation and commercial aspects of new services. The latter also provides solutions for issues concerning existing services.
Decisions taken by FIST study groups do not have any judicial implications. Due to the fact that a large number of parties are represented in FIST however, in practice decisions are morally binding. Over40 organisations are now represented in FIST, and decide on its agenda.

The TNO Institute of Strategy, Technology and Policy is responsible for the FIST secretariat and draws up the minutes. Operators and (internet) service providers who want to join FIST are kindly requested to contact mr. Silvain de Munck, via e-mail: fist@stb.tno.nl.
Please note that all meetings are held in Dutch.