ISPs grant access to the Internet by providing the infrastructure needed to browse your favorite websites, send email, and perform online tasks at record speeds.
You’ve probably heard of the big players like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon for home use and CenturyLink or Cox Business for businesses. These giants may seem like the only options on the market, but local ISPs offer a unique combination of services that can often match or even surpass their big-name counterparts.
An ISP offers more than just the Internet
First, ISPs provide services for accessing and using the Internet. They come in many forms, including commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or privately owned. ISPs came to the public market in the 1980s and created new digital opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
They play a crucial role in making the Internet accessible by providing highly technical services that connect computers to the Internet, ensuring that users can browse the web, stream videos, play online games and more.
ISPs can be classified into three tiers based on network size, reach, and control.
Tier 1 ISP
Tier 1 ISPs are major Internet providers with a global presence. They have networks spanning countries and continents, ensuring seamless international connectivity.
Unlike lower tiers, they do not incur data transit costs as they exchange traffic directly with other Tier 1 networks. Notable examples include AT&T, CenturyLink, and Arelion.
While Tier 1 ISPs are much more expensive than lower-tier ISPs, they offer a strong and reliable connection, which is critical for businesses with high traffic and bandwidth needs.
Tier 2 ISP
Tier 2 ISPs bridge the gap between global and local connectivity. They maintain agreements with Tier 1 ISPs and other Tier 2 ISPs to ensure that data reaches areas they do not directly cover.
For example, a Tier 2 ISP like Cogent Communications could pay AT&T (a Tier 1 ISP) to route some of its traffic around the world while also exchanging traffic directly with another Tier 2 ISP like KPN to improve regional connectivity.
This combination of paid and free peering ensures a broader network reach.
Tier 3 ISP
These are the smallest ISPs, usually operating in small regions or a single country. They purchase all their Internet connectivity from Tier 1 and Tier 2 ISPs. Examples include local telephone and broadband companies.
Let's imagine a hypothetical local bookstore, located in a small town in the US. They only need the Internet to process transactions and manage their inventory.
They would likely use a Tier 3 ISP, such as a local broadband company, that provides them with basic Internet connectivity. This Tier 3 ISP purchases their Internet access from larger Tier 1 or Tier 2 ISPs, allowing the bookstore to remain connected despite being in a small, localized area.
Additional services offered by ISPs
In addition to providing Internet access, ISPs offer additional services that add value for their customers.
E-mail accounts
Most Internet Service Providers offer email accounts to their users as part of the Internet package. This service includes email storage, anti-spam filters and antivirus protection.
Unified Communications as a Service
Some ISPs offer UCaaS, which integrates communication services such as messaging, voice and video calling, and web meetings into a single platform.
Web hosting
ISPs often offer web hosting services, which allow individuals or businesses to make their websites accessible via the World Wide Web.
Virtual private network
Some ISPs offer VPN services to enhance security and privacy. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks.
Television and telephone services
Many Internet service providers offer service packages, which may include digital television and landline telephony. These packages can be cost-effective for users who need multiple services.
Additionally, many ISPs offer VoIP services. If you want to use VoIP services, I recommend starting with a VoIP speed test to make sure your network is strong enough. This will help you avoid common VoIP issues before you spend any money.
In some cases, it may be beneficial to consider specialized VoIP providers. These providers typically have a more robust infrastructure dedicated to VoIP systems, which can result in better call quality and lower costs.
Local ISPs vs. National ISPs
A local ISP is a company that offers Internet services within a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. A national ISP, such as Verizon, offers services nationwide and has a vast network and a wide range of services.
Benefits of a local ISP
- Personalized customer service.
- Quick problem resolution.
- Community support.
Choosing a local Internet service provider can result in a more personalized service experience. Their proximity allows for quick problem resolution, reducing downtime.
Plus, by choosing a local ISP, you're likely supporting a business that gives back to its community and fosters local economic growth.
Disadvantages of a local ISP
- Limited coverage.
- Potentially slower speeds.
- Limited service offerings.
While local ISPs offer certain advantages, their coverage is geographically limited, which could be a drawback if you move or need Internet access in different locations. Additionally, their speeds and service options may not compete with those of larger national ISPs.
Benefits of a national ISP
- Large coverage.
- Better infrastructure.
- Internet of high speed.
- Variety of services.
Opting for a national internet service provider like Verizon can ensure a reliable, high-speed internet connection across a wide coverage area. The variety of services and packages they offer allows customers to choose the solution that best suits their needs.
Disadvantages of a national ISP
- Less personalized customer service.
- Potential for higher costs.
- Contractual obligations.
While national internet service providers offer broad coverage and high-speed internet, their large-scale operations can sometimes result in longer wait times for customer support. Additionally, the cost of their services can be higher, and they often require customers to commit to long-term contracts, which may lack the flexibility that some users prefer.
How to Select the Right ISP
Choosing the right Internet service provider can be a daunting task, given the multitude of options available. Below are some key considerations for consumers looking for simple home Internet service:
- Availability: Not all ISPs serve all areas. Check to see which ISPs serve your area.
- Speed: Depending on your internet usage, you may need different speeds. For basic browsing and email, a speed of 5-10 Mbps should be sufficient. However, if you frequently stream videos or play online games, you may need speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
- Price: Cost varies widely depending on speed and connection type. Basic home internet services can cost between $20 and $60 per month. Make sure you understand what the package includes and if there are any additional fees.
Companies have similar considerations but also additional factors to take into account:
- Data Limits: Some ISPs impose limits on how much data you can use in a month. Businesses, especially those that rely heavily on cloud services or video conferencing, should opt for plans with no data caps.
- Bundled services: Many ISPs offer bundled services such as email, web hosting, and VoIP. These can be convenient, but it is essential to evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of these services.
There are instances where businesses may want to consider providers other than their ISP for bundled services. For example, if an ISP's VoIP offering is expensive or lacks desired features, businesses can explore specialized VoIP providers. These providers often offer more advanced features and competitive pricing.
Choosing the right Internet service provider requires weighing a variety of factors, including availability, speed, price, and additional services. Both individuals and businesses should carefully evaluate their specific needs to make an informed decision.
