ISP—Internet service provider:

Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the Internet. For a monthly fee, the service provider gives you a software package, username, password and access phone number. Equipped with a modem, you can logon to the Internet and browse the World Wide Web and USENET, and send and receive email.

In addition to serving individuals, ISPs also serve large companies, providing a direct connection from the company's networks to the Internet. ISPs themselves are connected to one another through Network Access Points (NAPs)

Organizations that typically offer e-mail, Internet access, Web hosting services, and high-speed circuit sales