Internet service provider (ISP)

An Internet service provider is any organization that pro-vides access to the Internet. While nonprofit organiza-tions such as universities and government agencies can be considered¬ to be ISPs, the term is generally applied to a commercial, fee-based service.

Typically, a user is given an account that is accessed by logging in through the operating system’s Internet connec-tion facility by supplying a user ID and password. Once con-nected, the user can run Web browsers, e-mail clients, and other programs that are designed to work with an Internet connection. Most ISPs now charge flat monthly fees rang-ing from $20 or so for dial-up access to around $40–$60 for high-speed cable or DSL connections (see broadband). Some services such as America Online and CompuServe include ISP service as part of a package that also includes such features as software libraries, discussion forums, and instant messaging. Online services tend to be more expen-sive than “no frills” ISP services.

Most personal ISP accounts include a small allotment of server space that users can use to host their personal Web pages. There are generally extra charges for larger allot-ments of space, for sites that generate high traffic, and for commercial sites. Business-oriented ISPs typically provide a more generous starting allotment along with more exten-sive technical support and more reliable and higher-capac-ity servers that are managed 24 hours a day.

The rapid growth in Internet use in the mid-1990s encouraged many would-be entrepreneurs to start ISPs. How-ever, with so many providers entering the field and with the price for basic Internet connections falling, it soon became apparent that the survival prospects for “generic” ISPs would be poor. People entering the business today strive to pro-vide added-value services such as superior Web page hosting facilities, hosting blogs or wikis, or to focus on specialized services for particularly industries (such as real estate).

Today’s ISPs also face a variety of legal challenges, including customer privacy vs. the war on terrorism (see privacy in the digital age), responsibility for copyright infringement (see intellectual property and comput-ing), and possible liability for online defamation, harass-ment, or worse (see cyberstalking and harassment.)