All About Internet Service Providers
With the rise of commercial internet services and applications, a flurry of business units to meet the demand has entered the market. These Internet Service Providers (ISPs), can be owned by a commercial outfit, by a community, or a non-profit organization. The following article talks about the internet service provider’s business and the steps involved in starting it.
Functions of internet service providers (ISPs)
- An internet service provider is a company that offers third parties access to the Internet.
Many of them offer various other related services like website design and virtual hosting. An Internet Service Provider has the necessary equipment and access to the telecommunication line which is required to have a point-of-presence on the Internet for the geographic area being served. An ISP is an intermediary between the Internet and its customer’s computer system. ISPs may take several forms and offer a wide variety of services. Usually, they charge their clients for internet access, relying on their usage and the level of service provided.
Types of connections available in a broadband internet service business
- Primarily there are two types of internet service. The first type of internet service includes options like cable and DSL which characteristically offers higher speeds, but with reduced quality and reliability of the service. Mostly these options are cheaper.
- The high availability class of services includes options like T1s which are older and less common and newer fiber optic connections which are also referred to as Ethernet in some markets.
Process of setting up an internet service providers business
- Obtain a suitable building to house the ISP’s data center. This building must have raised floors to route cables.
- Buy and install UPS units, HVAC units, and a diesel power generator. The UPS and diesel power generators are required in case the electricity supply is interrupted by a power outage. The HVAC units are required for keeping the data center cool.
- Enter into a peering association with one or two upstream internet providers. Your ISP must have its own connection(s) to the Internet via peering arrangements.
- Ideally, you must go with at least two upstream providers. Most ISP’s use more than 5 to offer certain speed, connectivity, and reliability.
- You must purchase your own hardware after thorough consideration because leasing or renting systems proves to be very expensive in the long term.
- High-speed fiber optic lines must be bought from the local telecommunications utility provider to connect to the upstream internet provider(s).
- Enterprise-grade routers, switches, and computers need to be installed and configured.
- If the ISP is selling Internet DSL connectivity, then you must set up a custom installation process which will be routed to the local telecommunications utility provider for enabling a connection over the telephone system.
- If the ISP is selling web-hosting services, then configure the computers so that they can run as a virtual private server (VPS) which makes it possible for the customers to host their own websites at the data center.
Services internet service businesses should offer
- Sufficient Bandwidth
- Ethernet over Copper/DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Cable
- Fiber
- Security
- Shorter Installation Timelines
- Accessible Support
- Timely Troubleshooting Response
- Future-Oriented Technologies
- Reliable Upload and Download Speeds
- Routing
Key factors to consider when choosing internet service providers
- Reliability: The Internet provider must offer reliable services that run smoothly.
- Service : The service must have good ratings in the independent customer surveys which will help attract potential customers.
- Speed : Faster upload and download speed save a lot of time thereby increasing productivity while performing high bandwidth activities like sending large files or backing up data to the cloud.
- Breadth: In most cases the higher the speed of the internet the higher the price is. Ideal internet providers businesses must offer a wide variety of plans and pricing.
- Support: The internet provider must offer quick assistance in outages or other problems.
- Cost: Internet providers must offer suitable discounts on their internet packages to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Contracts and Terms: An ideal internet service provider must provide a written estimate, spelling out exactly what services they will be offer, the price break-down, and other clauses/conditions.
Top internet service providers in the country
- Verizon High-Speed Internet
- Optimum By Cablevision
- Suddenlink Communications
- C Spire Wireless
- Brown Dog Networks
- Southern California Telephone Company
- Internet Nebraska Corporation
- Texas Wireless Internet
- Rock Solid Internet and Telephone
- North Coast Wireless Communications
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