Internet Service Provider - ISP

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Internet Service Provider - ISP'

A company that provides access to the Internet to subscriber-based customers. An Internet Service Provider offers dial-up, cable, DSL (digital subscriber line), fiber optic or other types of Internet access. Local Internet Service Providers serve customers in a limited region, such as the Southeastern United States, while national providers serve customers throughout the country.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Internet Service Provider - ISP'

Dial-up Internet access is the slowest type of Internet connectivity offered by ISPs. Cable, DSL and satellite Internet access typically provide much greater speeds than dial-up. Depending on the customer's geographical location, the types of access offered by Internet Service Providers may be limited. Rural areas, for example, may only have access to dial-up connections.

Before the advent of Internet Service Providers, access to the Internet was limited to those who had an account at a participating university or government agency. During the mid-1990s, the number of Internet Service Providers increased to several thousand. Many of these ISPs were small companies that leased Internet services from one of the larger ISP companies and then resold the service to area customers and businesses. In the late 1990s, many of the ISPs and telephone companies began consolidating.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    10 Tips For Choosing An Online Broker

    This important investment decision happens before you pick your first stock. Find out how to get it right.

  2. From The Printing Press To The Internet

    Find out how this invention contributed to the development and evolution of the U.S. economy.

  3. Online Investment Scams Tutorial

    To bamboozle someone out of their money is an age-old ruse. Learn about some of the gimmicks modern-day swindlers use and avoid becoming a statistic.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Xenocurrency

    A currency that trades in markets outside of its domestic borders.

  2. Wanton Disregard

    A standard of severe negligence. Wanton disregard is a very serious accusation that indicates that a person behaved extremely recklessly.

  3. Ultra ETF

    A class of exchange-traded funds (ETF) that employs leverage in an effort to achieve double the return of a set benchmark.

  4. Toehold Purchase

    A purchase of less than 5% of a target company's outstanding stockmade by an acquiring company. A toehold purchase of just under 5%, while not a significant stake in a firm, allows the shareholders a "toe-holds" grip on the company and its decision making.

  5. Samurai Bond

    A yen-denominated bond issued in Tokyo by a non-Japanese company and subject to Japanese regulations.

  6. Chartalism

    A non-mainstream theory of money that emphasizes the impact of government policies and activities on the value of money.
Trading Center
http://sp.fastclick.net/ad/tr/10858-64082-15546-0?mpt=0ff9308d01d955a7ebf317675eed13ee