• The term “internet service
provider (ISP)” refers to a
company that provides access to
the internet to both personal and
business customers. ISPs make it
possible for their customers to
surf the web, shop online,
conduct business, and connect
with family and friends—all for a
fee.
Internet Service
Provider (ISP)
• Internet service was
originally limited to
government agencies and
specific university
departments. The
technology was developed
to provide access to the
general public through
the World Wide Web in
the late 1980s.
What Are Tier 1 Internet
Service Providers?
• Consumers and businesses are
accustomed to the idea that they
should be able to connect to the
internet from anywhere—whether
at home or while sitting in a local
coffee shop.
Is an internet service provider (ISP) the
same as a WiFi provider?
The main difference is that an ISP provides
access to the internet often through cable,
digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber, or satellite
connections. ISPs, such as AT&T or Verizon,
can be wired to a location such as a home or
an office building directly. By contrast, WiFi
providers allow you to access the internet
through a wireless connection. With WiFi
technology, a modem delivers internet
service and a wireless router connects to
the modem.