ii.1. Who are the Internet Service Providers (ISPs)?
Companies like Airtel, BSNL, Reliance (Jio), Vodaphone, Idea, etc provide Internet Service.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies that provide Internet access services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. They play a crucial role in connecting users to the global network of the internet. ISPs offer various types of internet connections, services, and plans, allowing users to access the internet for different purposes.
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Types of Internet Connections
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- Broadband: This is the most common type of internet connection provided by ISPs. It includes Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, fiber-optic, and satellite connections.
- DSL: Uses telephone lines to provide internet access.
- Cable: Uses cable television lines.
- Fiber-Optic: Employs optical fibers to transmit data at high speeds.
- Satellite: Relies on satellite signals for internet connectivity.
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Services Offered by ISPs
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- Internet Access: Providing users with the ability to connect to the internet.
- Email Services: Many ISPs offer email services to their subscribers.
- Web Hosting: Some ISPs provide web hosting services for individuals and businesses.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): ISPs may offer VPN services for enhanced security and privacy.
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How can ISPs treat data on the Internet unequally?
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- Ideally, ISPs should charge users based on the data consumed or on a subscription basis (monthly) plans. But what if they charge you based on the websites you visit?
- For example, if an ISP Company XYZ, provides Services like Skype, Bing, and Facebook for FREE, and charges you for using Google, this is a clear violation of net neutrality. Here Skype, Bing, and Facebook get a competitive advantage, while Google will lose a lot of traffic and revenue. Also, it is a case where ISPs interfere with the choice of consumers.
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