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Simple English definitions for legal terms
internet service provider (ISP)
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A quick definition of internet service provider (ISP):
An internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides high-speed internet to people's homes or businesses. They use special technology to connect people to the internet, like cable or phone lines. The government has rules to make sure ISPs treat everyone fairly and don't block access to certain websites. Sometimes, the government changes these rules to try to make the internet better for everyone.
A more thorough explanation:
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides internet access to customers. They offer different types of internet connections, such as broadband, which is a high-speed internet service. In the United States, ISPs are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state governments. Some of the largest ISPs in the US include AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon.
ISPs used to provide dial-up internet service through local telephone lines. However, most internet access today is provided through broadband service, which uses high-speed communication technologies like cable modems.
Net neutrality is an important concept related to ISPs. It means that ISPs should not interfere with access to the internet for both end users and websites. This ensures an open and fair relationship between ISPs, customers, and websites.
For many years, ISPs were regulated as common carriers, which meant they were subject to certain duties, such as providing communication services upon reasonable request and charging just and reasonable rates. However, in 2002, the FCC determined that cable company ISPs were exempt from common carrier regulation. In 2015, the Obama Administration adopted open internet rules to ensure net neutrality, but these were repealed in 2017 by the Trump Administration.
Examples of ISPs include AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon. These companies provide internet access to customers through different types of connections, such as cable modems and fiber optic lines. They also offer different plans with varying speeds and prices to meet the needs of different customers.