Legal Definitions - ISP

An internet services provider (ISP) is a company that provides services for accessing and using the internet. This means that they give you the ability to connect to the internet and use it to browse websites, send emails, and download files.

ISPs can also offer other internet-related services, such as:

• Web hosting: This is where a company provides space on their servers for you to host your website.
• Digital storage space rental services: This is where a company provides you with space on their servers to store your files.
• Telecommunication services: This includes things like telephone connections and cable TV access.

There are different types of ISPs, including:

• Access ISPs: These are the most common type of ISP. They provide you with a way to connect to the internet, usually through a modem or router.
• Mailbox ISPs: These ISPs provide email services, but not necessarily internet access.
• Hosting ISPs: These ISPs specialize in web hosting services.
• Transit ISPs: These ISPs provide internet connectivity to other ISPs.
• Virtual ISPs: These ISPs don't own their own network infrastructure, but instead lease it from other ISPs.

For example, if you have internet access at home, you are likely using an access ISP. If you have a website, you may use a hosting ISP to store your website files on their servers. And if you have cable TV, your cable company may also be your ISP.