Internet Service Providers Industry Profile

The US Internet service provider (ISP) industry generates combined annual revenue of about $45 billion. Major companies include AOL, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon. Operators of wired telecommunications services are the primary providers of Internet access in the US.

About 2 billion people use the Internet worldwide; countries with the most Internet users include China, the US, Japan, and Brazil. Leading global providers by sales include Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (Japan), OAO Gazprom (Russia), Deutsche Telekom (Germany), and Telefónica (Spain).

The industry includes companies that provide access to the Internet via wired or wireless connections. Internet access operations of telecommunications carriers are included in the industry, but telecommunications companies themselves are covered in separate industry profiles. Internet publishers, broadcasters, and search portals also are covered in a separate industry profile, as are Internet-based retailers.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumer and business requirements for information. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and good marketing. Big ISPs have economies of scale in operations, purchasing, and marketing. Small companies can compete successfully by operating in underserved markets or excelling in customer service.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products are Internet access, website design and hosting, and technical support services. Wired telecommunications carriers account for about 80 percent of industry revenue, and wireless ISPs account for about 10 percent. Satellite and other telecommunications providers account for the remainder. Internet access allows individuals or companies to connect ...