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Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
ISP stands for Internet service provider. ISPs are companies that provide an Internet connection to a paying subscriber. ISPs are available to either individuals or companies and give the subscriber the ability to send and receive Internet e-mail, browse the World Wide Web and download files from Internet servers. Examples of ISPs are America Online® (AOL®) and Microsoft® Network (MSN®).
ISP fees vary from a few dollars per month to several hundred, depending on the subscriber's usage and type of service. ISPs are accessed by dialing a telephone number, using cable or other high-speed lines or via satellites and broadband networks. ISPs typically provide the individual subscriber with an e-mail address and "space" for a personal Web page.