| − | An '''internet service provider''' (ISP) is a company who provides customers with access to the [[internet|world wide web]]. There are many varieties of internet service providers, some focusing on consumers, businesses (small, mid cap, large), government organizations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and/or other ISPs. ISPs may offer access via [[DSL]], [[cable modem]], [[dialup]], [[fiber optic network]], [[cellular]], [[satellite]], or [[power line communications]] among others. If an ISP is not itself a tier 1 provider, then it must lease connections through another provider to connect to outside networks. Most of the tier 1 providers are telephone companies. | + | An '''internet service provider''' (ISP) is a company who provides customers with access to the [[internet|world wide web]]. There are many varieties of internet service providers, some focusing on consumers, businesses (small, mid cap, large), government organizations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and/or other ISPs. ISPs may offer access via [[DSL]], [[cable modem]], [[dialup]], [[fiber optic network]], [[cellular]], [[satellite]], or [[power line communications]] among others. If an ISP is not itself a tier 1 provider, then it must lease connections through another provider to connect to outside networks. Most of the tier 1 providers are telephone companies such as [[AT&T]]. |