Internet Service Providers

It is entirely possible to have a website without even possessing a computer. At the other extreme it is also possible to have a website without having an Internet Service Provider. However, for the majority of internet users it is essential to have both. So unless you are looking at this site on someone else's machine we will assume that you or your company own at least one computer and you are connected to this site via a modem or terminal adapter using a dial-up or broadband connection to an ISP.

Internet Service Providers also provide space for websites. The pages of a website are normally stored on a computer (a server) on your ISP's premises. There are hundreds of ISPs, some of whom charge for their connection services and web space as an annual subscription. There are others who offer a completely free connection service with unlimited free connection time and free web space. Service providers who offer free connection often charge for live help services. If you have occasion to telephone them for technical support you may be using a premium-rated line and pay 50p per minute or more for the service.

If you don't have broadband you use a dial-up connection to the internet over your telephone line, usually using a local or (0845) number so you pay your telecommunications company such as BT or Cablenet at the local call rate for the time that you spend online. If you have broadband you pay a fixed monthly or quarterly charge regardless of the amount of time you spend online.

In choosing a service provider you will no doubt be concerned about their charges, reliability and quality of service and the range of services available. If you are launching a website you will want the outside world to be able to reach your site quickly and without difficulty. As regards cost it may be worth considering that if you've got a free service you can't really complain effectively if it doesn't work properly sometimes. Our experience with free services is that most of the ones we have used have proved pretty reliable with no obvious speed disadvantage. However, the range of services they offer is often limited and setting up an e-commerce site is usually impracticable on a free service.

We cannot recommend a particular ISP because every customer's needs vary. However, a search for 'Internet Services Providers' on one of the main search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, will provide you with lists and details so that you can make an appropriate choice.