Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides its customers with Internet access. It offers its services in various ways, including through broadband cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) connections, and dial-up connections. It can also provide other services such as email, web hosting, and web design.
ISPs also monitor their customers’ traffic and usage, and manage the allocation of Internet access resources among different customers, in order to keep the network running efficiently. Typically, an ISP charges its customers a fee for this service.
The term “ISP” was first coined in the 1990s when the World Wide Web was first becoming popular. Actually, ISPs existed before the internet, providing users with access to other networks such as CompuServe and America On Line. Today, ISPs primarily provide access to the internet.
The number of ISPs operating in a given country or region are typically regulated through governmental agencies, which set up rules and regulations about the operation and pricing of ISPs. In some countries, ISPs compete with one another for market share, leading to more competitive pricing and higher quality of service.
In addition to providing customers with internet access, some ISPs offer additional services such as web hosting, email services, and website design. Additionally, some ISPs offer their customers internet security with a firewall and content filtering, and network management tools.
