View source for Internet service provider

{{Short description|Organization that provides access to the Internet}}
{{Redirect|ISP}}
{{redirect-distinguish|Internet service|Web service}}
[[File:Internet Connectivity Access layer.svg|thumb|upright=2.0|Internet connectivity options from end-user to tier 3/2 ISPs]]
{{Internet history timeline}}

An '''Internet service provider''' ('''ISP''') is an organization that provides a myriad of services related to accessing, using, managing, or participating in the [[Internet]]. ISPs can be organized in various forms, such as commercial, [[community-owned]], [[non-profit]], or otherwise [[privately owned]].

Internet services typically provided by ISPs can include [[internet access]], [[internet transit]], [[domain name]] registration, [[web hosting]], and [[colocation centre|colocation]].

[[File:Stealth Fiber Crew installing fiber cable underneath the streets of Manhattan.jpg|thumb|[[Stealth Communications]] in Manhattan installing [[Optical fiber|fiber]] for providing Internet access]]

==History==
The Internet (originally [[ARPAnet]]) was developed as a network between government research laboratories and participating departments of universities. Other companies and organizations joined by direct connection to the [[Internet backbone|backbone]], or by arrangements through other connected companies, sometimes using dialup tools such as [[UUCP]]. By the late 1980s, a process was set in place towards public, commercial use of the Internet. Some restrictions were removed by 1991,<ref>[https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/nsf50/nsfoutreach/htm/n50_z2/pages_z3/28_pg.htm Outreach: The Internet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118121412/http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/nsf50/nsfoutreach/htm/n50_z2/pages_z3/28_pg.htm |date=2014-01-18 }}, U.S. National Science Foundation, "In March 1991, the NSFNET acceptable use policy was altered to allow commercial traffic."</ref> shortly after the introduction of the [[World Wide Web]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Web history timeline |url= http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/03/11/world-wide-web-timeline/ |access-date= 21 September 2015 |date= 2014-03-11 |archive-date= 2015-07-29 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150729162322/http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/03/11/world-wide-web-timeline/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

During the 1980s, [[online service provider]]s such as [[CompuServe]], [[Prodigy (online service)|Prodigy]], and [[America Online]] (AOL) began to offer limited capabilities to access the Internet, such as e-mail interchange, but full access to the Internet was not readily available to the general public.

In 1989, the first Internet service providers, companies offering the public direct access to the Internet for a monthly fee, were established in Australia<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Roger|title=Origins and Nature of the Internet in Australia|url=http://www.rogerclarke.com/II/OzI04.html#CIAP|access-date=21 January 2014|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209201253/http://www.rogerclarke.com/II/OzI04.html#CIAP|url-status=live}}</ref> and the United States. In [[Brookline, Massachusetts]], [[The World (Internet service provider)|The World]] became the first commercial ISP in the US. Its first customer was served in November 1989.<ref>{{cite web | title=Hobbes' Internet Timeline v10.1 | author=Robert H'obbes' Zakon | url=http://www.zakon.org/robert/internet/timeline/ | access-date=14 November 2011 | archive-date=5 May 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505235502/http://www.zakon.org/robert/internet/timeline/ | url-status=live }} Also published as Robert H. Zakon</ref> These companies generally offered [[dial-up]] connections, using the public telephone network to provide last-mile connections to their customers. The [[barriers to entry]] for dial-up ISPs were low and many providers emerged.

However, cable television companies and the telephone carriers already had wired connections to their customers and could offer Internet connections at much higher speeds than dial-up using [[broadband]] technology such as [[cable modem]]s and [[digital subscriber line]] (DSL). As a result, these companies often became the dominant ISPs in their service areas, and what was once a highly competitive ISP market became effectively a monopoly or [[duopoly]] in countries with a commercial [[telecommunications]] market, such as the United States.

In 1995, [[NSFNET]] was decommissioned removing the last restrictions on the use of the Internet to carry commercial traffic and [[network access point]]s were created to allow peering arrangements between commercial ISPs.

===Net neutrality===
{{Main|Net neutrality in the United States}}{{Globalize|date=April 2024|2=US|section}}
On 23 April 2014, the U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) was reported to be considering a new rule permitting ISPs to offer content providers a faster track to send content, thus reversing their earlier [[net neutrality]] position.<ref name="NYT-20140423">{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Edward |title=F.C.C., in 'Net Neutrality' Turnaround, Plans to Allow Fast Lane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/technology/fcc-new-net-neutrality-rules.html |date=23 April 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=23 April 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203434/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/technology/fcc-new-net-neutrality-rules.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20140424a">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=Creating a Two-Speed Internet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/opinion/creating-a-two-speed-internet.html |date=24 April 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=25 April 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195056/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/opinion/creating-a-two-speed-internet.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20140511">{{cite news |last=Carr |first=David |title=Warnings Along F.C.C.'s Fast Lane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/business/media/warnings-along-fccs-fast-lane.html |date=11 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=11 May 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614201000/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/business/media/warnings-along-fccs-fast-lane.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A possible solution to net neutrality concerns may be [[municipal broadband]], according to [[Susan P. Crawford|Professor Susan Crawford]], a legal and technology expert at [[Harvard Law School]].<ref name="NYT-20140428">{{cite news |last=Crawford |first=Susan |author-link=Susan P. Crawford |title=The Wire Next Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/28/opinion/the-wire-next-time.html |date=28 April 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=28 April 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203549/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/28/opinion/the-wire-next-time.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 May 2014, the FCC decided to consider two options regarding Internet services: first, permit fast and slow broadband lanes, thereby compromising net neutrality; and second, reclassify broadband as a [[telecommunications]] service, thereby preserving net neutrality.<ref name="NYT-20140515a">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=Searching for Fairness on the Internet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/16/opinion/searching-for-fairness-on-the-internet.html |date=15 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 May 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614194942/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/16/opinion/searching-for-fairness-on-the-internet.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20140515b">{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Edward |title=F.C.C. Backs Opening Net Rules for Debate |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/16/technology/fcc-road-map-to-net-neutrality.html |date=15 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 May 2014 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203415/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/16/technology/fcc-road-map-to-net-neutrality.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 10 November 2014, President [[Barack Obama]] recommended that the FCC reclassify broadband Internet service as a telecommunications service in order to preserve net neutrality.<ref name="NYT-20141110-EW">{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Edward |title=Obama Asks F.C.C. to Adopt Tough Net Neutrality Rules |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/technology/obama-net-neutrality-fcc.html |date=10 November 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 November 2014 |archive-date=14 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114230550/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/technology/obama-net-neutrality-fcc.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20141114">{{cite news |author=NYT Editorial Board |title=Why the F.C.C. Should Heed President Obama on Internet Regulation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/opinion/why-the-fcc-should-heed-president-obama-on-internet-regulations.html |date=14 November 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=15 November 2014 |archive-date=15 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115023705/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/opinion/why-the-fcc-should-heed-president-obama-on-internet-regulations.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WRD-20150121-DAS">{{cite web |last=Sepulveda |first=Ambassador Daniel A. |title=The World Is Watching Our Net Neutrality Debate, So Let's Get It Right |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/01/on-net-nuetrality-internet-freedom/ |date=21 January 2015 |work=[[Wired (website)|Wired]] |access-date=20 January 2015 |archive-date=22 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122002922/http://www.wired.com/2015/01/on-net-nuetrality-internet-freedom/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 January 2015, [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] presented legislation, in the form of a [[U.S. Congress]] [[United States House of Representatives|H.R.]] [[List of bills in the 114th United States Congress|discussion draft bill]], that makes concessions to net neutrality but prohibits the FCC from accomplishing the goal or enacting any further regulation affecting Internet service providers.<ref name="NYT-20150120-JW">{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |title=Shifting Politics of Net Neutrality Debate Ahead of F.C.C.Vote |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/technology/shifting-politics-of-net-neutrality-debate-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html |date=19 January 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=20 January 2015 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203508/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/technology/shifting-politics-of-net-neutrality-debate-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HG-20150116">{{cite web |author=Staff |title=H. R. _ 114th Congress, 1st Session [Discussion Draft] - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure Internet openness... |url=http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/114/BILLS-114hr-PIH-OpenInternet.pdf |date=16 January 2015 |work=[[U.S. Congress]] |access-date=20 January 2015 |archive-date=13 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713125711/http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/114/BILLS-114hr-PIH-OpenInternet.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 January 2015, [[AP News]] reported that the FCC will present the notion of applying ("with some caveats") [[Common carrier#Telecommunications|Title II (common carrier)]] of the [[Communications Act of 1934]] to the Internet in a vote expected on 26 February 2015.<ref name="NYT-20150202a">{{cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |title=In Net Neutrality Push, F.C.C. Is Expected to Propose Regulating Internet Service as a Utility |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/technology/in-net-neutrality-push-fcc-is-expected-to-propose-regulating-the-internet-as-a-utility.html |date=2 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2 February 2015 |archive-date=3 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203020455/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/technology/in-net-neutrality-push-fcc-is-expected-to-propose-regulating-the-internet-as-a-utility.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20150202b">{{cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |title=F.C.C. Chief Wants to Override State Laws Curbing Community Net Services |url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/f-c-c-chief-wants-to-override-state-laws-curbing-community-net-services/ |date=2 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2 February 2015 |archive-date=3 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203015750/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/f-c-c-chief-wants-to-override-state-laws-curbing-community-net-services/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AP-20150131">{{cite news |last=Flaherty |first=Anne |title=Just whose Internet is it? New federal rules may answer that |url=http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150131/us--net_neutrality-news_guide-c235cbd2b9.html |date=31 January 2015 |work=[[AP News]] |access-date=31 January 2015 |archive-date=1 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201001057/http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150131/us--net_neutrality-news_guide-c235cbd2b9.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WP-20150102">{{cite news |last=Fung |first=Brian |title=Get ready: The FCC says it will vote on net neutrality in February |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/01/02/get-ready-the-fcc-says-itll-vote-on-net-neutrality-in-february/ |date=2 January 2015 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102225724/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/01/02/get-ready-the-fcc-says-itll-vote-on-net-neutrality-in-february/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AP-20150102">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=FCC to vote next month on net neutrality rules |url=http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150103/us-fcc-net-neutrality-d8f89ffc53.html |date=2 January 2015 |work=[[AP News]] |access-date=2 January 2015 |archive-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103042904/http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150103/us-fcc-net-neutrality-d8f89ffc53.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Adoption of this notion would reclassify Internet service from one of information to one of the telecommunications<ref name="NYT-20150204">{{cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |title=F.C.C. Plans Strong Hand to Regulate the Internet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/technology/fcc-wheeler-net-neutrality.html |date=4 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=5 February 2015 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718092613/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/technology/fcc-wheeler-net-neutrality.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and, according to [[Tom Wheeler]], chairman of the FCC, ensure net neutrality.<ref name="WRD-20150204">{{cite magazine |last=Wheeler |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Wheeler |title=FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler: This Is How We Will Ensure Net Neutrality |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/02/fcc-chairman-wheeler-net-neutrality |date=4 February 2015 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=5 February 2015 |archive-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204224727/http://www.wired.com/2015/02/fcc-chairman-wheeler-net-neutrality/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20150206">{{cite news |author=The Editorial Board |title=Courage and Good Sense at the F.C.C. - Net Neutrality's Wise New Rules |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/opinion/net-neutralitys-wise-new-rules.html |date=6 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614200952/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/opinion/net-neutralitys-wise-new-rules.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The FCC was expected to enforce net neutrality in its vote, according to ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref name="NYT-20150224">{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |title=As Republicans Concede, F.C.C. Is Expected to Enforce Net Neutrality |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/technology/path-clears-for-net-neutrality-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html |date=24 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=24 February 2015 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614200945/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/technology/path-clears-for-net-neutrality-ahead-of-fcc-vote.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20150225">{{cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |title=The Push for Net Neutrality Arose From Lack of Choice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/technology/limited-high-speed-internet-choices-underlie-net-neutrality-rules.html |date=25 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614194456/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/technology/limited-high-speed-internet-choices-underlie-net-neutrality-rules.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 26 February 2015, the FCC ruled in favor of net neutrality by adopting [[Common carrier#Telecommunications|Title II (common carrier)]] of the [[Communications Act of 1934]] and [[Telecommunications policy of the United States#Broadband deployment policy objectives|Section 706 in the Telecommunications Act of 1996]] to the Internet.<ref name="FCC-20150226">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=FCC Adopts Strong, Sustainable Rules To Protect The Open Internet |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0226/DOC-332260A1.pdf |date=26 February 2015 |work=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-date=12 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312162446/http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0226/DOC-332260A1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20150226">{{cite news |last1=Ruiz |first1=Rebecca R. |last2=Lohr |first2=Steve |title=In Net Neutrality Victory, F.C.C. Classifies Broadband Internet Service as a Public Utility |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/technology/net-neutrality-fcc-vote-internet-utility.htm |date=26 February 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414181129/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/technology/net-neutrality-fcc-vote-internet-utility.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AP-20150225">{{cite news |last=Flaherty |first=Anne |title=FACT CHECK: Talking heads skew 'net neutrality' debate |url=http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150225/us--net_neutrality-fact_check-e30cfb560f.html |date=25 February 2015 |work=[[AP News]] |access-date=26 February 2015 |archive-date=27 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227142926/http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150225/us--net_neutrality-fact_check-e30cfb560f.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The FCC Chairman, [[Tom Wheeler]], commented, "This is no more a plan to regulate the Internet than the [[First Amendment]] is a plan to regulate free speech. They both stand for the same concept."<ref name="HP-20150226">{{cite news |last=Liebelson |first=Dana |title=Net Neutrality Prevails In Historic FCC Vote |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/26/net-neutrality-fcc-vote_n_6761702.html |date=26 February 2015 |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |access-date=27 February 2015 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615181906/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/26/net-neutrality-fcc-vote_n_6761702.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 March 2015, the FCC released the specific details of the net neutrality rules.<ref name="NYT-20150312a">{{cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Rebecca R. |title=F.C.C. Sets Net Neutrality Rules |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/technology/fcc-releases-net-neutrality-rules.html |date=12 March 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=13 March 2015 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614194803/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/technology/fcc-releases-net-neutrality-rules.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYT-20150312b">{{cite news |last=Sommer |first=Jeff |title=What the Net Neutrality Rules Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/12/technology/net-neutrality-rules-explained.html |date=12 March 2015 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=13 March 2015 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622052332/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/12/technology/net-neutrality-rules-explained.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="FCC-20150315">{{cite web |author=FCC Staff |title=Federal Communications Commission - FCC 15-24 - In the Matter of Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet - GN Docket No. 14-28 - Report and Order on Remand, Declaratory Ruling, and Order |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0312/FCC-15-24A1.pdf |date=12 March 2015 |work=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=13 March 2015 |archive-date=12 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312200613/http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2015/db0312/FCC-15-24A1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 April 2015, the FCC published the final rule on its new "[[Net neutrality in the United States|Net Neutrality]]" regulations.<ref name="CNET-20150413">{{cite web |last=Reisinger |first=Don |title=Net neutrality rules get published -- let the lawsuits begin |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/fccs-net-neutrality-rules-hit-federal-register-lawsuit-underway/ |date=13 April 2015 |work=[[CNET]] |access-date=13 April 2015 |archive-date=14 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414060656/http://www.cnet.com/news/fccs-net-neutrality-rules-hit-federal-register-lawsuit-underway/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="FR-20150413">{{cite web |author=Federal Communications Commission |author-link=Federal Communications Commission |title=Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet - A Rule by the Federal Communications Commission on 04/13/2015 |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/13/2015-07841/protecting-and-promoting-the-open-internet |date=13 April 2015 |work=[[Federal Register]] |access-date=13 April 2015 |archive-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502021951/https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/04/13/2015-07841/protecting-and-promoting-the-open-internet |url-status=live }}</ref> These rules went into effect on 12 June 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Open Internet |url=https://www.fcc.gov/openinternet |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|date=2017-06-12|access-date=2017-11-29|archive-date=2015-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615044837/https://www.fcc.gov/openinternet|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Upon becoming FCC chairman in April 2017, [[Ajit Pai]] proposed an end to net neutrality, awaiting votes from the commission.<ref name="NYT-20170429">{{cite news |author=The Editorial Board |title=F.C.C. Invokes Internet Freedom While Trying to Kill It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/29/opinion/sunday/fcc-invokes-internet-freedom-while-trying-to-kill-it.html |date=29 April 2017 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=29 April 2017 |archive-date=29 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429184910/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/29/opinion/sunday/fcc-invokes-internet-freedom-while-trying-to-kill-it.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNET-20170502">{{cite news |last=Reardon |first=Marguerite |title=Net neutrality redux: The battle for an open net continues – The Republican-led FCC is starting to roll back net neutrality rules. Here's what you need to know. |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-redux-the-battle-for-an-open-net-continues |date=2 May 2017 |work=[[CNET]] |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502162043/https://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-redux-the-battle-for-an-open-net-continues/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 November 2017, Pai announced that a vote will be held by FCC members on 14 December 2017 on whether to repeal the policy.<ref name="WP-20171121">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/11/21/the-fcc-has-unveiled-its-plan-to-rollback-its-net-neutrality-rules/|title=FCC plan would give Internet providers power to choose the sites customers see and use|first=Brian|last=Fung|date=21 November 2017|access-date=21 November 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121173043/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/11/21/the-fcc-has-unveiled-its-plan-to-rollback-its-net-neutrality-rules/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 June 2018, the repeal of the FCC's network neutrality rules took effect.<ref name=nyt-repealed>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/11/technology/net-neutrality-repeal.html |title=The Net Neutrality Repeal Is Official |first=Keith |last=Collins |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 June 2018 |access-date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=25 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125203954/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/11/technology/net-neutrality-repeal.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Koning |first1=Kendall J. |last2=Yankelevich |first2=Aleksandr |date=2018-10-01 |title=From internet "Openness" to "Freedom": How far has the net neutrality pendulum swung? |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S095717871730228X |journal=Utilities Policy |language=en |volume=54 |pages=37–45 |doi=10.1016/j.jup.2018.07.004 |bibcode=2018UtPol..54...37K |s2cid=158428437 |access-date=2022-09-08 |archive-date=2022-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901032905/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S095717871730228X |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Provisions for low-income families ===
Since December 31, 2021, The [[Affordable Connectivity Program]] has given households in the U.S. at or below 200% of the [[Federal poverty guidelines|Federal Poverty Guidelines]] or households which meet a number of other criteria an up to $30 per month discount toward internet service, or up to $75 per month on certain tribal lands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Affordable Connectivity Program |url=https://www.fcc.gov/acp |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=FCC |language=en}}</ref>

==Classifications==

===Access providers===
{{anchor|Access ISP'S}} <!-- old section name (renamed 30 November 2011) -->
Access provider ISPs provide Internet access directly to end customers such as businesses and consumers, employing a range of technologies to connect users to their network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/what-are-the-different-internet-connection-methods|title=What are the different Internet connection methods? |website=Windows |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013060645/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/what-are-the-different-internet-connection-methods|archive-date=October 13, 2009}}</ref> Available technologies have ranged from computer modems with [[acoustic coupler]]s to telephone lines, to television cable (CATV), [[Wi-Fi]], and fiber optics.

For users and small businesses, traditional options include copper wires to provide [[dial-up]], DSL, typically [[asymmetric digital subscriber line]] (ADSL), cable modem or [[Integrated Services Digital Network]] (ISDN) (typically [[basic rate interface]]). Using [[Fiber-optic communication|fiber-optic]]s to end users is called [[Fiber to the x|Fiber To The Home]] or similar names.<ref>{{cite web |title=FTTx: Fiber To The Home/Premises/Curb |url=http://www.thefoa.org/FTTX/ |publisher=[[The Fiber Optic Association]] |access-date=June 1, 2013 |archive-date=August 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824130815/http://www.thefoa.org/FTTX/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Customers with more demanding requirements (such as medium-to-large businesses, or other ISPs) can use higher-speed DSL (such as [[single-pair high-speed digital subscriber line]]), [[Ethernet]], [[metropolitan Ethernet]], [[gigabit Ethernet]], [[Frame Relay]], ISDN [[Primary Rate Interface]], [[Asynchronous Transfer Mode]] (ATM), [[synchronous optical networking]] (SONET)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://ciscoccna24.blogspot.com/2010/10/tdm-examples-isdn-and-sonet.html|title= CCNA|work= ciscoccna24.blogspot.com|access-date= 2 February 2015|archive-date= 25 December 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141225005957/http://ciscoccna24.blogspot.com/2010/10/tdm-examples-isdn-and-sonet.html|url-status= dead}}</ref>  or MPLS over OTN.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/741048/why-does-mpls-cost-so-much-more-than-internet-connectivity.html/ | title=Why does MPLS cost so much more than Internet connectivity? }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | chapter-url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04968-2_17 | doi=10.1007/978-3-642-04968-2_17 | chapter=A Network Optimization Model for Multi-layer IP/MPLS over OTN/DWDM Networks | title=IP Operations and Management | series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science | date=2009 | last1=Katib | first1=Iyad | last2=Medhi | first2=Deep | volume=5843 | pages=180–185 | isbn=978-3-642-04967-5 }}</ref> Dedicated internet access (DIA) services for businesses can be delivered using PON networks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/05/its-technology-claims-first-live-uk-biz-customer-trial-of-50gbps-pon.html | title=ITS Technology Claims First Live UK Biz Customer Trial of 50Gbps PON }}</ref>

[[Wireless broadband|Wireless access]] is another option, including [[cellular network|cellular]] and [[satellite Internet access]]. Access providers may have an MPLS ([[Multiprotocol label switching]]) or formerly a SONET [[backbone network]], and have a ring<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2021/11/cityfibre-launch-first-800gbps-backbone-ring-to-serve-uk-cities.html|title=CityFibre Launch First 800Gbps Backbone Ring to Serve UK Cities|first=Mark|last=Jackson|date=November 24, 2021|website=ISPreview UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://openaccess.uoc.edu/bitstream/10609/18805/6/amerinoraTFC0113memoria.pdf|title=IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE DOCSIS 3.0 SOBRE REDES HFC|first=Ángel Merino|last=Ramos|publisher=Universitat Oberta de Catalunya}}</ref> or mesh<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/m/en_us/network-intelligence/service-provider/digital-transformation/pdfs/verizon-tdm-to-ip-network-modernization.pdf|title=Network Modernization: A TDM to IP Solution|author=Sterling Perrin}}</ref> network topology in their core network.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z5f4BQAAQBAJ&dq=mpls+backbone&pg=PA184 | isbn=978-0-13-396586-5 | title=Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE) Foundation Learning Guide: (CCNP ROUTE 300-101) | date=29 December 2014 | publisher=Cisco Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title=VNF Availability and SFC Sizing Model for Service Provider Networks  | doi=10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3005287 | date=2020 | last1=Sharma | first1=Sidharth | last2=Engelmann | first2=Anna | last3=Jukan | first3=Admela | last4=Gumaste | first4=Ashwin | journal=IEEE Access | volume=8 | pages=119768–119784 | doi-access=free | bibcode=2020IEEEA...8k9768S }}</ref> The networks run by access providers can be considered [[wide area networks]].<ref name="ciscopress.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2832405&seqNum=5 | title=Selecting a WAN Technology (1.2) > WAN Concepts &#124; Cisco Press }}</ref> ISPs can have [[access network]]s, aggregation networks/aggregation layers/distribution layers/edge routers/metro networks and a [[core network]]/backbone network; each subsequent network handles more traffic than the last.<ref>{{cite conference | conference=2013 IEEE SDN for Future Networks and Services (SDN4FNS) | doi=10.1109/SDN4FNS.2013.6702549 | arxiv=1312.5080 | s2cid=9770534 | title=Research Directions in Network Service Chaining | date=2013 | last1=John | first1=Wolfgang | last2=Pentikousis | first2=Konstantinos | last3=Agapiou | first3=George | last4=Jacob | first4=Eduardo | last5=Kind | first5=Mario | last6=Manzalini | first6=Antonio | last7=Risso | first7=Fulvio | last8=Staessens | first8=Dimitri | last9=Steinert | first9=Rebecca | last10=Meirosu | first10=Catalin | pages=1–7 | isbn=978-1-4799-2781-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dRhHPINWo2AC&dq=aggregation+network+core+network&pg=PA86 | isbn=978-2-7445-0144-9 | title=Networks: Internet, Telephony, Multimedia : Convergences and Complementarities | date=2002 | publisher=Springer }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cse.wustl.edu/~jain/cse570-13/ftp/broadba/index.html|title=Survey of Next-Generation Broadband Aggregation Networks|author=Belinda Chang}}</ref><ref name="Network Design Models">{{cite web | url=https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2698000 | title=Network Design Models > "Do I Know This Already?" Quiz &#124; Cisco Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11235-021-00841-7 | doi=10.1007/s11235-021-00841-7 | title=Intra and inter-flow link aggregation in SDN | date=2022 | last1=Junior | first1=Ronaldo R. R. | last2=Vieira | first2=Marcos A. M. | last3=Vieira | first3=Luiz F. M. | last4=Loureiro | first4=Antonio A. F. | journal=Telecommunication Systems | volume=79 | pages=95–107 | s2cid=239542317 | url-access=subscription }}</ref> Mobile service providers also have similar networks.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://opg.optica.org/jocn/abstract.cfm?uri=jocn-9-9-D19 | doi=10.1364/JOCN.9.000D19 | title=Matheuristic with Machine-Learning-Based Prediction for Software-Defined Mobile Metro-Core Networks | date=2017 | last1=Alvizu | first1=Rodolfo | last2=Troia | first2=Sebastian | last3=Maier | first3=Guido | last4=Pattavina | first4=Achille | journal=[[Journal of Optical Communications and Networking]] | volume=9 | issue=9 | pages=D19 | hdl=11311/1046162 | hdl-access=free | url-access=subscription }}</ref> These providers often buy capacity on submarine cables to connect to internet exchanges and engage in private peering with other carriers and networks including Tier 1 carriers at data centers, for example by connecting to the [[NAP of the Americas]], a data center which connects many Latin American ISPs with networks in the US.<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/networking/equinix-expands-miami-data-center-that-s-key-to-latin-american-connectivity | title=Equinix Expands Miami Data Center Key to Latin American Connectivity }}</ref>

===Mailbox providers===
A [[mailbox provider]] is an organization that provides services for hosting electronic mail domains with access to storage for mail boxes. It provides [[Message transfer agent|email servers]] to send, receive, accept, and store email for [[End-user (computer science)#End user|end users]] or other organizations.

Many mailbox providers are also access providers,<ref>{{cite IETF |title=Complaint Feedback Loop Operational Recommendations |rfc=6449 |editor= J.D. Falk |date=November 2011 |publisher=[[IETF]] |access-date= 28 June 2012}}</ref> but some are not (e.g., [[Gmail]], [[Yahoo! Mail]], [[Outlook.com]], [[AOL Mail]], [[Po box]]). The definition given in RFC 6650 covers [[email hosting service]]s, as well as the relevant department of companies, universities, organizations, groups, and individuals that manage their mail servers themselves. The task is typically accomplished by implementing [[Simple Mail Transfer Protocol]] (SMTP) and possibly providing access to messages through [[Internet Message Access Protocol]] (IMAP), the [[Post Office Protocol]], [[Webmail]], or a proprietary protocol.<ref>{{cite IETF |title= Creation and Use of Email Feedback Reports: An Applicability Statement for the Abuse Reporting Format (ARF) |rfc= 6650 |editor= [[Murray Kucherawy]] |date=June 2012 |publisher= [[IETF]] |access-date= 28 June 2012 |quote= "Mailbox Provider" refers to an organization that accepts, stores, and offers access to RFC 5322 messages ("email messages") for end users. Such an organization has typically implemented SMTP RFC 5321 and might provide access to messages through IMAP RFC 3501, the Post Office Protocol (POP) RFC 1939, a proprietary interface designed for HTTP RFC 7230, or a proprietary protocol.}}</ref>

===Hosting ISPs===
[[Internet hosting service]]s provide email, web-hosting, or online storage services. Other services include [[Virtual private server|virtual server]], cloud services, or physical server operation.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Foros|first1=Øystein|last2=Hansen|first2=Bjørn|date=2001-12-01|title=Competition and compatibility among Internet Service Providers|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167624501000440|journal=Information Economics and Policy|language=en|volume=13|issue=4|pages=411–425|doi=10.1016/S0167-6245(01)00044-0|issn=0167-6245|hdl=11250/162960|s2cid=24402565 |hdl-access=free|access-date=2020-12-06|archive-date=2020-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623080157/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167624501000440|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=May 2021}}

===Transit ISPs===
[[File:Internet Connectivity Distribution & Core.svg|thumb|upright=2.0|Tiers 1 and 2 ISP interconnections]]
Just as their customers pay them for Internet access, ISPs themselves pay upstream ISPs for Internet access. An upstream ISP such as a tier 2 or tier 1 ISP usually has a larger network than the contracting ISP or is able to provide the contracting ISP with access to parts of the Internet the contracting ISP by itself has no access to.<ref name="ssrn">[http://ssrn.com/abstract=2128103 Gerson & Ryan A Primer on Internet Exchange Points for Policymakers and Non-Engineers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405083326/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2128103 |date=2020-04-05 }} Working Paper, August 11, 2012</ref>

In the simplest case, a single connection is established to an upstream ISP and is used to transmit data to or from areas of the Internet beyond the home network; this mode of interconnection is often cascaded multiple times until reaching a [[tier 1 carrier]]. In reality, the situation is often more complex. ISPs with more than one [[point of presence]] (PoP)<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N5DJJXoLPDQC&dq=tier+1+mesh&pg=PA283 | title=Networked Life: 20 Questions and Answers | isbn=978-1-107-02494-6 | last1=Chiang | first1=Mung | date=10 September 2012 | publisher=Cambridge University Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5OCcBAAAQBAJ&dq=tier+1+point+of+presence&pg=PA360 | title=Network Routing: Algorithms, Protocols, and Architectures | isbn=978-0-12-800829-4 | last1=Medhi | first1=Deep | last2=Ramasamy | first2=Karthik | date=6 September 2017 | publisher=Morgan Kaufmann }}</ref> may have separate connections to an upstream ISP at multiple PoPs, or they may be customers of multiple upstream ISPs and may have connections to each one of them at one or more point of presence.<ref name="ssrn" /> Transit ISPs provide large amounts of [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] for connecting hosting ISPs and access ISPs.<ref>[http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk365/technologies_configuration_example09186a008009456d.shtml#intro cisco.com Sample Configuration for BGP with Two Different Service Providers (Multihoming)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119045246/http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk365/technologies_configuration_example09186a008009456d.shtml#intro |date=2014-01-19 }} BGP article</ref>

[[Border Gateway Protocol]] is used by routers to connect to other networks, which are identified by their [[Autonomous system (Internet)|autonomous system]] number.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5OCcBAAAQBAJ&dq=internet+exchange+point+tier+1&pg=PA351 | title=Network Routing: Algorithms, Protocols, and Architectures | isbn=978-0-12-800829-4 | last1=Medhi | first1=Deep | last2=Ramasamy | first2=Karthik | date=6 September 2017 | publisher=Morgan Kaufmann }}</ref> [[Tier 2 network|Tier 2 ISPs]] depend on Tier 1 ISPs and often have their own networks, but must pay for transit or internet access to Tier 1 ISPs, but may peer or send transit without paying, to other Tier 2 and/or some Tier 1 ISPs. Tier 3 ISPs do not engage in peering and only purchase transit from Tier 2 and Tier 1 ISPs, and often specialize in offering internet service to end customers such as businesses and individuals. Some organizations act as their own ISPs and purchase transit directly from a Tier 1 ISP.<ref name="Springer">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MgDQDwAAQBAJ&dq=tier+1+peering&pg=PA88 | title=Internet Computing: Principles of Distributed Systems and Emerging Internet-Based Technologies | isbn=978-3-030-34957-8 | last1=Sunyaev | first1=Ali | date=12 February 2020 | publisher=Springer }}</ref> Transit ISPs may use OTN ([[Optical transport network]]) or SDH/SONET (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy/Synchronous Optical Networking)<ref name="ciscopress.com"/> with a DWDM ([[Dense wavelength-division multiplexing]]) system<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/global/de_at/assets/docs/dwdm.pdf |title=Introduction to DWDM Technology |publisher=[[Cisco Systems|Cisco]]}}</ref> for transmitting data through optical fiber over long distances such as across a city or between cities.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U1M_46OltXAC&dq=dwdm+otn&pg=PA49 | isbn=978-0-387-24063-3 | title=Optical Networking Standards: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals | date=13 April 2007 | publisher=Springer }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZO9RWurSS0IC&dq=dwdm+otn&pg=PA93 | isbn=978-1-58053-708-7 | title=Telecommunications Technology Handbook | date=2003 | publisher=Artech House }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EisDEAAAQBAJ&dq=dwdm+otn&pg=PA409 | isbn=978-3-030-16250-4 | title=Springer Handbook of Optical Networks | date=15 October 2020 | publisher=Springer }}</ref> For transmissions in a metro area such as a city<ref>{{cite web|url=https://peering-forum.eu/2022/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/P4-400G-ZR...-Florian-Hibler.pdf |date=2022 |publisher=Arista |via=Peering Forum |title=400G-ZR(+) Real World Examples|author=Florian Hibler}}</ref> and for large customers such as data centers,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pc.nanog.org/static/published/meetings/NANOG75/1954/20190220_Martin_Building_The_400G_v1.pdf |publisher=Arista  |via=NANOG |title=400G and 800G Ethernet and Optics|author=Andreas Bechtolsheim|author-link=Andreas Bechtolsheim}}</ref> special pluggable modules in routers, conforming to standards such as [[C form-factor pluggable|CFP]],<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmrOBQAAQBAJ&dq=cfp2+module&pg=PA147 | title=High-Speed Devices and Circuits with THZ Applications | isbn=978-1-4665-9012-0 | last1=Choi | first1=Jung Han | date=19 September 2017 | publisher=CRC Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHa7DwAAQBAJ&dq=cfp2+module&pg=PA42 | title=Coherent Optics for Access Networks | isbn=978-1-000-73650-2 | last1=Jia | first1=Zhensheng | last2=Campos | first2=Luis Alberto | date=28 October 2019 | publisher=CRC Press }}</ref> QSFP-DD, OSFP,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lacnic.net/innovaportal/file/3635/1/christian-urricariet-y-andre-guimaraes.pdf |title=Trends in 400G Optics for the Data Center |author1=Christian Urricariet |author2=André Guimarães |date=May 2019}}</ref> 400ZR or OpenZR+ may be used alongside DWDM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oiforum.com/wp-content/uploads/OIF-400ZR-01.0_reduced2.pdf|title=Implementation Agreement 400ZR|id=OIF-400ZR-01.0|publisher=Optical Internetworking Forum|date=March 10, 2020}}</ref> and many vendors have proprietary offerings.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lightwaveonline.com/optical-tech/transmission/article/14184990/openzr-msa-group-releases-first-specification | title=OpenZR+ MSA Group releases first specification | date=8 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lightwaveonline.com/optical-tech/transmission/article/14188934/understanding-400zr-openzr-400zr-optics | title=Understanding 400ZR/OpenZR+/400ZR+ Optics | date=11 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QYEqEAAAQBAJ&dq=400zr+dwdm&pg=PA164 | isbn=978-0-12-823134-0 | title=Optical Communications in the 5G Era | date=23 October 2021 | publisher=Academic Press }}</ref> Long-haul networks transport data across longer distances than metro networks, such as through [[Submarine communications cable|submarine cable]]s,<ref name="ciscopress.com"/><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7PJbEAAAQBAJ&dq=long+haul+network&pg=PA371 | isbn=978-0-19-883422-9 | title=Optical Networks | date=2021 | publisher=Oxford University Press }}</ref> or connecting several metropolitan networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/global/de_at/assets/docs/dwdm.pdf|title=Introduction to DWDM Technology|publisher=Cisco}}</ref> Optical line systems and packet optical transport systems<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lightwaveonline.com/network-design/packet-transport/article/16665596/packet-optical-transport-systems-platforms-for-metro-transformation | title=Packet-optical transport systems: Platforms for metro transformation | date=May 2012 }}</ref> can also be used for data transmission in metro areas, long haul connections and data center interconnect.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M6vRQRKrMsAC&dq=optical+line+system&pg=PA335 | isbn=978-0-08-051318-8 | title=Optical Fiber Telecommunications IV-A: Components | date=22 May 2002 | publisher=Elsevier }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FZaUPj3yYr4C&dq=optical+line+system+transmission&pg=PA296 | isbn=978-0-12-395172-4 | title=Optical Fiber Telecommunications IV | date=2002 | publisher=Academic Press }}</ref> Ultra long haul transmission transports data over distances of over 1500 kilometers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lightwaveonline.com/optical-tech/transport/article/16647297/the-search-for-ultra-long-haul-transmission | title=The search for ultra-long-haul transmission | date=May 2001 }}</ref> ISPs connect to each other and to customers via [[data center]]s hosting meet-me rooms.<ref name="auto"/>

===Virtual ISPs===
A [[virtual ISP]] (VISP) is an operation that purchases services from another ISP, sometimes called a ''wholesale ISP'' in this context,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cgi.amazing.com/isp/hooking-up.html |website=Amazing.com |title=Hooking up to the Internet |access-date=2008-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219110040/http://cgi.amazing.com/isp/hooking-up.html |archive-date=2008-12-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which allow the VISP's customers to access the Internet using services and infrastructure owned and operated by the wholesale ISP. VISPs resemble [[mobile virtual network operator]]s and [[competitive local exchange carrier]]s for voice communications.

===Free ISPs ===
Free ISPs are Internet service providers that provide service free of charge. Many free ISPs display advertisements while the user is connected; like commercial [[television]], in a sense they are selling the user's attention to the advertiser. Other free ISPs, sometimes called [[Wireless community network|freenets]], are run on a nonprofit basis, usually with volunteer staff.<ref name=":0" />

===Wireless ISP===
A [[wireless Internet service provider]] (WISP) is an Internet service provider with a network based on wireless networking. Technology may include commonplace Wi-Fi wireless mesh networking, or proprietary equipment designed to operate over open 900&nbsp;MHz, 2.4&nbsp;GHz, 4.9, 5.2, 5.4, 5.7, and 5.8&nbsp;GHz bands or licensed frequencies such as 2.5&nbsp;GHz (EBS/BRS), 3.65&nbsp;GHz (NN) and in the UHF band (including the [[MMDS]] frequency band) and [[Local Multipoint Distribution Service|LMDS]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FCC: Wireless Services: 3650-3700 MHz Radio Service|url=http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=3650_3700|publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]]|access-date=2008-03-17|archive-date=2019-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405041959/http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=3650_3700|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== ISPs in rural regions ===
It is hypothesized that the vast divide between broadband connection in rural and urban areas is partially caused by a lack of competition between [[Rural internet|ISPs in rural areas]], where there exists a market typically controlled by just one provider.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Snapshot Of Internet Service Provider Competition in the U.S.|url=https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/internet-ISP-competition-across-America|access-date=2021-11-14|website=BroadbandSearch.net|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114183621/https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/internet-ISP-competition-across-America|url-status=live}}</ref> A lack of competition problematically causes subscription rates to rise disproportionately with the quality of service in rural areas, causing broadband connection to be unaffordable for some, even when the infrastructure supports service in a given area.

In contrast, consumers in urban areas typically benefit from lower rates and higher quality of broadband services, not only due to more advanced infrastructure but also the healthy economic competition caused by having several ISPs in a given area.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sallet|first=Jonathan|date=2017-03-15|title=Better together: Broadband deployment and broadband competition|url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2017/03/15/better-together-broadband-deployment-and-broadband-competition/|access-date=2021-11-14|website=Brookings|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114183619/https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2017/03/15/better-together-broadband-deployment-and-broadband-competition/|url-status=live}}</ref> How the difference in competition levels has potentially negatively affected the innovation and development of infrastructure in specific rural areas remains a question. The exploration and answers developed to the question could provide guidance for possible interventions and solutions meant to remedy the digital divide between rural and urban connectivity.

=== Satellite internet services ===
{{empty section|date=December 2023}}   <!-- Hughesnet, Starlink ... -->

== Altnets ==
Altnets (portmanteau of "alternative network provider") are localized broadband networks, typically formed as an alternative to monopolistic internet service providers within a region.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Farrell |first1=Maria |first2=Robin |last2=Berjon |date=2024-04-16 |title=We Need To Rewild The Internet |journal=Noema |url=https://www.noemamag.com/we-need-to-rewild-the-internet |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Peering==
ISPs may engage in [[peering]], where multiple ISPs interconnect at [[peering point]]s or [[Internet exchange point]]s (IXPs), allowing routing of data between each network, without charging one another for the data transmitted—data that would otherwise have passed through a third upstream ISP, incurring charges from the upstream ISP.<ref name="ssrn"/>

ISPs requiring no upstream and having only customers (end customers or peer ISPs) are called [[Tier 1 carrier|Tier 1 ISPs]].

Network hardware, software and specifications, as well as the expertise of network management personnel are important in ensuring that data follows the most efficient route, and upstream connections work reliably. A tradeoff between cost and efficiency is possible.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Internet service provider.|url=http://masters.donntu.org/2009/kita/repryntsev/library/article6.htm|website=masters.donntu.org|access-date=2020-05-26|archive-date=2021-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224042649/http://masters.donntu.org/2009/kita/repryntsev/library/article6.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Tier 1 ISPs are also interconnected with a mesh network topology.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTPmJytNeosC&dq=tier+1+network&pg=PA10 | title=Alcatel-Lucent Scalable IP Networks Self-Study Guide: Preparing for the Network Routing Specialist I (NRS 1) Certification Exam | isbn=978-0-470-52938-6 | last1=Hundley | first1=Kent | date=31 August 2009 | publisher=John Wiley & Sons }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=92ZYiSTXkWMC&dq=tier+1+peering&pg=PT113 | title=The Internet Peering Playbook: Connecting to the Core of the Internet | isbn=978-1-937451-02-8 | last1=Norton | first1=William B. | date=8 August 2011 | publisher=DrPeering Press }}</ref> Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are public locations where several networks are connected to each other.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IM-Y2W0RIF0C&dq=tier+1+peering&pg=PA293 | title=Network Routing: Algorithms, Protocols, and Architectures | date=19 July 2010 | publisher=Elsevier | isbn=978-0-08-047497-7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IM-Y2W0RIF0C&dq=internet+exchange+point+tier+1&pg=PA291 | isbn=978-0-08-047497-7 | title=Network Routing: Algorithms, Protocols, and Architectures | date=19 July 2010 | publisher=Elsevier }}</ref> Public peering is done at IXPs, while private peering can be done with direct links between networks.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXZODwAAQBAJ&dq=tier+1+peering&pg=PA156 | title=Information Network Engineering | date=20 July 2015 | publisher=株式会社 オーム社 | isbn=978-4-274-99991-8 }}</ref><ref name="Springer"/> IXPs or peering exchanges may be located in data centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecomreviewamericas.com/es/?view=article&id=469&catid=14|title=InteRed Installs Internet Exchange Point at Sparkle's Panama Digital Gateway - Telecom Review Americas|date=February 11, 2025|website=www.telecomreviewamericas.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/colo/article/55125540/data-center-tours-equinix-dc12-ashburn-virginia|title=Data Center Tours: Equinix DC12, Ashburn, Virginia|first=Matt|last=Vincent|date=July 16, 2024|website=Data Center Frontier}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecomreviewasia.com/news/network-news/4215-de-cix-jakarta-internet-exchange-now-live/|title=DE-CIX Jakarta Internet Exchange Now Live|date=May 9, 2024|website=www.telecomreviewasia.com}}</ref>

==Law enforcement and intelligence assistance==
Internet service providers in many countries are legally required (e.g., via [[Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act]] (CALEA) in the U.S.) to allow [[law enforcement]] agencies to monitor some or all of the information transmitted by the ISP, or even store the browsing history of users to allow government access if needed (e.g. via the [[Investigatory Powers Act 2016]] in the [[United Kingdom]]). Furthermore, in some countries ISPs are subject to monitoring by intelligence agencies. In the U.S., a controversial [[National Security Agency]] program known as [[PRISM]] provides for broad monitoring of Internet users traffic and has raised concerns about potential violation of the privacy protections in the [[Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution]].<ref>[http://www.informationweek.com/security/risk-management/nsa-prism-creates-stir-but-appears-legal/d/d-id/1110275 NSA PRISM Creates Stir, But Appears Legal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125144544/http://www.informationweek.com/security/risk-management/nsa-prism-creates-stir-but-appears-legal/d/d-id/1110275 |date=2014-01-25 }}. InformationWeek. Retrieved on 2014-03-12.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Obama's Speech on N.S.A. Phone Surveillance|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/us/politics/obamas-speech-on-nsa-phone-surveillance.html?_r=0|access-date=21 January 2014|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=17 January 2014|archive-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120154717/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/us/politics/obamas-speech-on-nsa-phone-surveillance.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref> Modern ISPs integrate a wide array of [[surveillance]] and [[packet sniffing]] equipment into their networks, which then feeds the data to law-enforcement/intelligence networks (such as [[DCSNet]] in the United States, or [[SORM]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2000/02/new-kgb-takes-internet-sorm|title=New KGB Takes Internet by SORM|work=Mother Jones|access-date=2 February 2015|archive-date=18 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318013742/http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2000/02/new-kgb-takes-internet-sorm|url-status=live}}</ref> in Russia) allowing monitoring of Internet traffic in real time.

==See also==
{{cols}}
* [[Content delivery network]]
* [[Geo-blocking]]
* [[Index of Internet-related articles]]
* [[Internet backbone]]
* [[Internet hosting service]]
* [[Network service provider]]
* [[Mobile network operator]]
* [[Open-access network]]
* [[Outline of the Internet]]
{{colend}}
{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11558-022-09483-z Telecommunications Ownership and Control (TOSCO) dataset] on the ownership of internet service providers.
{{Internet service providers of the United States}}
{{Telecommunications}}

[[Category:Internet service providers| ]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1989]]