Technology

What Is an Internet Service Provider, and Why is Broadband the Most Preferred?

An Internet service provider or ISP is a company which provides access to the internet and other services to both personal and business consumers. An ISP or Internet Service Provider may also be called an information service provider, a storage service provider, an internet network service provider or INSP, or a combination of these three based on the services it offers. ISP can also be abbreviated as an independent service provider which may be separate from a telecom company. Note that, alongside providing internet access, other services provided by the ISPs are emails, web hosting, domain registration, etc.

Initially, internet services were limited to government agencies and specific university departments, but over the years, technology has developed to provide access to the public through the World Wide Web (WWW). Originally, consumers could only get limited access, that too with one or two recognised names. These ISPs used dial-up connections. It was only in the mid-90s that the number of ISPs increased radically. With the increase in connectivity options, many moved away from slower dial-up connections. ISPs developed more advanced technology, allowing customers high-speed access via broadband through the cable and digital subscriber line (DSL).

How to opt for an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

Users should choose an ISP based on several factors such as –

  •   Coverage area – ISP in a particular region can be provided by various companies. In urban areas, a consumer has numerous choices according to their preferences and the charges, but if the user lives in a rural area, the options may be limited.
  •   Types – Cable, fibre, DSL, and satellite are the various types of ISPs in the market. But does the ISP offer online security? Free email access? Hosting for websites? What about mesh Wi-Fi? – these are some of the other factors that individuals and organisations may consider for smooth and hassle-free internet access.
  •   Speed – Depending on the nature of work, users may choose among various internet plans to enjoy uninterrupted meetings or video conferences. However, remember that while choosing the best internet or broadband plan, you must go with higher bandwidth and better speed as it would keep your company’s reputation intact, in case you require it for your business with clients. 
  •   Price – Each ISP provides a variety of plans to their users. A majority of people in India are budget-friendly users and choose plans that are affordable and offer adequate internet speed.
  •   Ratings – Unbiased reviews are often available readily for the internet provider with ratings. Thus, you may consider reviewing the ISP online. Alternatively, you may even consider getting in touch with your neighbours or those personally using the broadband connection you have in mind. Doing so would endow you with a clearer picture of going for a specific ISP offering the preferred plan. 

Gone are the days when people used postal mail for sending documents, business records, bills or even communicating with their clients or partners. The invention of the internet vertical has been a game changer not only for businesses but also for personal lives. With the help of the internet, businesses throughout the globe have seen remarkable changes in communication, development and collaboration.

What is broadband? And how does it work?

Broadband is a high-capacity technology that transmits data, voice, and videos across long distances at high speeds. Various mediums of transmission include coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, and radio waves. As now broadband is always connected, it removes the need for a dial-up. Therefore, it’s no secret to becoming a crucial requirement for consumers and the government. Broadband allows high-quality and quick access to information, teleconferencing, data transmission, and more in various capacities, including healthcare, education, and technological development.

There are six primary broadband technologies available in the market today. These include the following –

  •     DSL: Digital Subscriber Line
  •     Cable modem
  •     Fibre
  •     Wireless
  •     Satellite
  •     Broadband over phone lines

In this era of globalisation, organisations need a high-speed broadband connection to operate effectively. In fact, most businesses depend on this technology for communication and growth strategies. In India, some leading internet providers are – Spectra, Jio, Airtel, Hathway, ACT etc.

Pros of a broadband connection

Swift communication

The internet is the heart and soul of connectivity around the world. You cannot afford to be late to a meeting with an overseas client just because you have a slow internet connection. Some important features of the internet are chat, emails and storage drives like Google Drive and I-cloud. All these help in the smooth working of our businesses within and outside.

Listed below are a few ways to communicate better with high-speed internet and broadband –

  •   Business meetings
  •   Easy optimisation of daily work routine
  •   Sending and receiving messages
  •   Virtual video meetings

Social media platforms, VoIP (video over internet protocol), phone systems, chat-bots, and teamwork hubs are a few solutions that have emerged with the growth of the internet. These features help companies to connect, in turn saving time and driving their business forward.

Speed

Bandwidth is just one factor that determines the speed of the internet connection. It is a measure of the data quantity that enters the network over time in Mbps (megabits per second). The greater the data flow, the better the internet connection. In broadband connections, the supported data rates are generally 300 Kbps and higher. In comparison, dial-up has a maximum of 53 Kbps.

Availability

Once installed, a broadband connection is always on. The connection is maintained with the use of a cable or DSL modem. A cable internet connects the computer to the outlet in the wall, while DSL connects through a modem attached to a phone line. 

Unlike an old dial-up service, you do not dial a specific phone number to get access to the internet. A DSL service makes use of broadband, which is a faster network than dial-up. Here, the DSL connects directly to the internet without the need for having a landline at home. Unlike dial-up, using DSL gives you the opportunity to use your phone line and the internet simultaneously.  So, if you have a DSL, you just need to open your internet browser by double-clicking the browser icon on your personal computer to access the internet. Your default web page will open, and you can immediately start surfing the web. The whole process should take no more than 10 to 15 seconds, depending on your internet and computer speed.

Reliability

If you are in a sector that cannot risk internet service interruptions, it is recommended to opt for an ISP that provides SLA or service level agreement. With an ISP that offers good customer support, you get the assurance of receiving prudent help on witnessing any problem.

Ending note

Broadband has been around for a while now. Note that this technology was introduced to the world in the early 2000s. However, this vertical is constantly evolving, with new technologies developed to boost access, lower costs, and increase connection speeds. One of the emerging frontiers of broadband transmission technology involves the usage of an advanced satellite network to provide internet access without the need for large-scale investments in terrestrial infrastructure. So, you see, how much can this technology evolve? It is just the beginning, and as it is here to stay, ensure to adopt and accept this system to make the most out of it. 

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