In the era of widespread use of broadband Internet, the words “traffic”, “browser”, “high-speed connection” are used in conversation even by children and the elderly. Despite this, not all new-fangled terms of foreign origin are extremely clear. For example, the concept of an “Internet provider” - what it is, how to cook it, and what to serve with will be discussed in this article.
An Internet Service Provider Is ... Definition
The word "Internet Service Provider" comes from English to provide - deliver, supply. This is a company that provides customers access to the World Wide Web. It stores and maintains server-channels of constant communication with the global network. They look like huge computer racks, wrapped in wires: some of them go to the central (main) highway - global servers, and some - to users' houses. Connecting to an Internet service provider means buying a place for yourself in this data center. That is, the cable, extending from the home machine to the company computer, connects the subscriber and the global Internet server, opening the first access to the network.
Each supplier has its own capacity, bandwidth, guaranteed connection speed, tariff schedule. After 2008 - the spread of fiber optic technology - the number of companies that received a license has grown tenfold and now numbers in the thousands. It's hard to choose. An ideal Internet service provider is, first of all, speed, stability and a wide range of connected options.
Network access is the main service
The offered services of Internet providers to their subscribers are not limited to access to the network. Even it can be provided using different technologies.
Fixed broadband Internet access through fiber optic networks. The most common technology is FTTB, when the cable runs to the apartment building, then using a twisted pair cable to the subscriber’s apartment. A more expensive but effective technological novelty is the GPON standard, in which the fiber goes to the end point - a home computer. This makes the channel speed independent of the number of residents; Also, in an accident and a wire break in one apartment, the neighbors will not suffer.
Internet access using a switch or modem and a telephone line (dial-up) is practically not used now in cities, but is relevant in remote settlements.
Wireless network access is included in the services of Internet providers. Using a router in the apartment, a Wi-Fi network is scattered. This also includes WiMAX technology, which connects apartments and houses that are not equipped with a telephone, television or Internet cable.
Additional services
- Providing the allocated disk space necessary for the site to work - hosting.
- Rent a physical place in the company's data center, servers.
- Support and maintenance of mail services.
Moscow Internet Service Providers
Moscow covers 20% of the entire Russian broadband market. On its territory there are over 300 companies that deliver or try to deliver the Internet to the masses. Most of them are licensed, but do not serve subscribers. The other part hands over its highways to other suppliers without working with individuals. The leading Internet providers in the capital are as follows:
- Rostelecom PJSC operating under the Onlime brand in Moscow has been providing its subscribers with FTTB technology network access since 2008. Today, Onlime works with legal entities and individuals, connecting up to 15 thousand new customers per month. The tariff grid is very diverse, masters come within 1-3 days from the time of application. On the company's website, you can check whether these Internet providers are available at the client's address.
- The Akado company occupies a considerable share of the operator’s market in the capital. It offers its customers a connection using DOCSIS technology (using a telephone cable). Connection setup is simple, does not require a specialist and takes 40 minutes. The reviews indicate the instability of the Internet and the lack of professionalism of employees, but since 2011, top management has changed in the company, and the situation has begun to change for the better.
- MTS-Domashny, the former Stream, also works on FTTB technology. Up to 50 thousand new subscribers are connected per month. In 2008, MTS bought the base and cables of the old telephone company; the transition to the new owner was not easy, but the virtually unlimited resources of the Big Three operator were able to bring their Internet division into the leaders of the capital.
All of the above Internet service providers in Moscow have their own trunk lines.
Rating in St. Petersburg
In the cultural capital of Russia there are more than 120 Internet providers. Among them there are all-Russian operators - Rostelecom and ER-Telecom (Dom.ru) - and local companies. Many St. Petersburg Internet service providers serve neighboring regions: Pskov, Veliky Novgorod.
- InterZet is famous for its stable connection work, the absence of connection disconnections and, at the same time, ignorant technical support and rude masters. The company serves 15% of the city’s population, attracting up to 10 thousand subscribers per month.
- Over 100 thousand apartment owners have chosen SkyNet. The company has its own fiber optic network. “Skynet” has been working on the market for 10 years, reviews about it are mostly positive.
How to choose your Internet Service Provider
First of all, you need to answer the question about which Internet providers are available at the installation address. It is checked on specialized resources or in reference publications: “Yellow Pages” and 2Gis. If the house is served by several companies, it is worth paying attention to the following.
A good Internet service provider is a high guaranteed connection speed. For irresponsible operators, the capacity is designed for a certain number of connections, so when the user quota is exceeded, the speed is cut. Buying 100 MB / sec, you get all 20. You should carefully read the numbers indicated in the contract.
The complete absence of gaps, 100% stable operation is not guaranteed by any provider. But professional technical support quickly responds to complaints and has up-to-date information about accidents, masters quickly solve problems. Check if this is so, just - you need to call the hotline.
Tariff plans, terms of rental or purchase of equipment, the ability to use your router or modem - all this should be spelled out in the contract. Consultants must warn the client about the possibility of terminating the relationship without penalty, fines; on current promotions and special offers.
The reviews and recommendations of acquaintances can say a lot about the operator, but they do not need to be completely trusted: according to statistics, complaints do not exceed a fraction of a percent of the number of subscribers for each large supplier company.
So, the Internet service provider gives people the opportunity to freely access the network using wired and wireless access, and also provides other services related to the global web. The rating of suppliers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia is headed by such companies as Rostelecom, ER-Telecom (Dom.ru), MTS-Domashny. When choosing your operator, you need to remember the following: the ideal Internet service provider is the one with whom you will not need to fight for a paid service. On the contrary, this is the one who will fight for each client himself.