ISPs

An Internet service provider (ISP) is a company or organization that provides access to the Internet and related services to end users. ISPs range from small local operators to large multinational carriers and may serve households, businesses, schools, and other institutions. They maintain the customer-facing infrastructure as well as the networks that route traffic across the global Internet.

ISPs use a variety of technologies to deliver connectivity. Fixed-line options include fiber-optic networks, cable (coaxial) networks, and digital subscriber line (DSL) services over telephone wires. Wireless variants include mobile networks (3G/4G/5G), fixed wireless connections, and satellite links. Some ISPs also act as wholesale providers, offering backbone capacity to other operators through peering and transit arrangements.

Common services include Internet access plans with advertised speeds and data allowances or unlimited data, email accounts, Domain Name System (DNS) resolution, and value-added offerings such as web hosting, security services, or bundled communications. Business customers may receive service level agreements, dedicated lines, and enhanced support. Pricing and speed tiers vary by country, regulator, and market competition.

Regulation and competition shape ISP behavior. Authorities oversee licensing, spectrum allocation, consumer protections, and, in some jurisdictions, net neutrality rules that govern whether certain traffic can be throttled, blocked, or prioritized. Market structure ranges from competitive alternatives to single- and few-operator environments, with ongoing policy efforts to expand service to underserved areas and address the digital divide.

As essential infrastructure, ISPs influence access, quality of service, privacy, and security. Outages, peering disputes, and ongoing capital investment in upgrading networks are common themes in industry reporting.