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An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a business or organization that offers users access to the Internet and related services. Most telecommunications operators are ISPs. They provide services like internet transit, domain name registration and hosting, dial-up access, leased line access and colocation.
Generally, an ISP charges a monthly access fee to the consumer. The consumer then has access to the Internet for an ulimited number of hours, although the speed at which this data is transferred varies widely.
Internet connection speed can generally be divided into two categories: 1) Dialup, and 2) Broadband. Dialup connections range from free to inexpensive and require the use of a phone line. Broadband connections can be either ISDN, Wireless, Cable, or DSL. Broadband is faster, always on, and more expensive.
In early 2000s, ISPs in the United States faced serious challenges. Telecommunications and IT-related stocks fell sharply, and many ISPs were forced to close, restructure, sell, or merge. The slower-than-expected growth of broadband services and key decisions on broadband open access matters have all added to the industry's problems.
ISPs
Dialups
Free dialups
DSL / Cable
Others
Other relevant acronyms
Related services
Related topics
External Links
- Free Internet (http://www.free-internet.name) A comprehensive list of free internet providers around the world
- Iron Internet (http://www.iron.com.br) Provides a lot of Internet services in South America (Brazil)
- ISP Speed Test (http://www.devtoolz.com/speed_test/) Provides a tool to test the speed of the ISP you reside on.
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