ISP (Internet Service Provider)
The company that connects your home or business to the internet.What Is an ISP?
ISP stands for internet service provider. It’s the company that runs the connection between your home or business and the rest of the internet, and bills you for it. Your ISP gets data to and from your router, assigns your connection an IP address, and is who you call when the connection goes down.
Every device that goes online reaches the internet through an ISP, whether that’s a fiber line into your house, a cable connection or the cellular network on your phone.
What Does an ISP Do?
- Delivers the physical connection by fiber, cable, DSL, wireless or satellite.
- Routes your traffic onto the wider internet through its own network and fiber backbone.
- Assigns IP addresses to your connection. Most homes get a dynamic address that can change.
- Supplies or supports equipment like a modem, ONT or router.
- Provides support and repairs when something stops working.
Types of ISPs
| Type | How it connects | Upload speed | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Light through glass strands | Matches download | Lowest latency, most consistent speeds |
| Cable | Coaxial TV lines | A fraction of download | Speeds can dip at busy times |
| DSL | Copper phone lines | Low | Slows with distance from the provider’s equipment |
| Fixed wireless | Radio signal from a tower | Low to moderate | Needs a clear line of sight |
| Satellite | Dish to a satellite | Low | Higher latency, sensitive to weather |
| 5G home | Cellular network | Varies | Speeds change with signal and network load |
How to Choose an ISP
- Availability. Not every type is offered at every address, so start with an address check.
- Upload speed, not just download. Video calls, cloud backups and sending large files all depend on upload speed.
- Data caps. Some providers charge extra or slow you down past a monthly limit. See throttling.
- Price after the promo. Compare the regular monthly rate and any equipment fees.
- Consistency. For gaming and video calls, low latency matters more than peak speed.
Is ALLO an ISP?
Yes. ALLO is a fiber ISP that builds and runs its own fiber network to homes in communities across Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona and Missouri. Check availability at your address.
FAQs
What does ISP stand for?
Internet service provider. It's the company that sells and delivers your internet connection.
Can I switch ISPs if I'm unhappy?
Usually, yes. Check what's available at your address, note when any contract ends, and schedule the new install before canceling the old service so you're never offline.
What’s the difference between an ISP and a network provider?
The ISP sells and supports your connection. A network provider owns the physical lines. Some companies, like fiber ISPs that build their own networks, are both. Others lease lines from someone else.
Do all ISPs offer the same speeds?
No. Speed depends on the technology. Fiber can deliver multi-gig speeds with matching upload, while DSL and satellite are much slower, especially on upload.
Do ISPs charge for data overages?
Some do — especially if your plan includes a data cap. Check your provider’s terms to avoid overage fees or throttling.
Can I use my own modem and router with my ISP?
Most ISPs allow it. On fiber, the ONT stays in place and your router plugs into it. Check with your provider before buying one.
