What Does Service Provider Mean In Computing?

In computing, service provider is also called ISP which means Internet Service Provider. An ISP could also be termed NSP (Network Service Provider). ISP is a company (private company) that connects one's personal computer to the internet. Individuals or businesses subscribe to the ISPs for their network connection. The ISPs charge an amount for their services. There are ISPs that provide connections to local areas or regions as well as to whole nation. America Online is a national ISP.

Initially, this connection was provided by the phone companies. Today, internet connection can be availed of from the cable companies as well as satellite companies. Internet backbone providers lease out internet connections to these companies or ISPs. The connection could be provided through a telephone line or through broad bandwidth circuits like cable or DSL circuit and dedicated T-1 circuit.