The Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers has now filled two-thirds of its 18 board slots and assuaged early concerns of industry observers who felt the U.S. was in danger of being unrepresented.

Elections conducted in early October resulted in three Europeans, one Canadian and one Asian being named, but no Americans.

After the latest elections, MCIWorldcom (WCOM) vice president and Internet pioneer Vint Cert will be joining the board. Cerf was selected by ICANN's Protocol Supporting Organization.

"We are heaving a great sigh of relief that we asked them to (the supporting organizations) do that and they did," said ICANN interim president Mike Roberts. "We're very pleased. They are all great people with lots of experience."

House Commerce Committee chairman Thomas Bliley, R-Va, who has been a frequent critic of ICANN, said last week that it would be "unfortunate" if the U.S. was underrepresented because it boasts the majority of Net users and businesses in addition to being the world's leader in inventing and promoting the Internet.