Internet Service Providers Industry Profile

Companies in this industry provide access to the Internet via wired or wireless connections. Major companies include AOL, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon (all based in the US), as well as Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (Japan), Telecom Italia (Italy), and Telefónica (Spain).

About 2 billion people use the Internet worldwide; countries with the most Internet users include China, the US, India, and Japan. The Asia/Pacific region leads the world in broadband deployment, followed by North America and Western Europe.

The US Internet service provider (ISP) industry generates combined annual revenue of about $50 billion. Low growth is forecast for the next two years, driven by social networking and broadband development in rural and underserved areas.

Internet access operations of telecommunications carriers are included in the industry, as are resellers of Internet access over telecommunications networks. 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 ...