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What is an ISP?

Internet Service Provider (ISP): Why It Matters & How To Choose

This article is a beginner’s stop shop for all things Internet Service Providers (ISPs) worldwide. It doesn’t matter whether you are new in the digital space or looking for more knowledge on ISPs because this comprehensive piece gives you information about this aspect of the Internet.

What does ISP mean?

Imagine yourself in a large library full of valuable information, but you will need a special key card to access it. That’s where ISPs come in! This refers to an Internet Service Provider, or ISP, facilitating your connection between the vast expanse of the Internet and yourself. It is an organization that performs an essential function of connecting us globally so that we can browse websites, watch videos online, send emails, and do many other activities that define our lives in the modern world.

Why Are ISPs Important and Why Should You Care About Them?

As before, being connected has become a necessity rather than a luxury, with digitization taking center stage. The internet has permeated almost every aspect of our lives, affecting how we work, learn, communicate, and enjoy ourselves. However, it is important to note that this huge virtual universe could not have been explored without Internet Service Providers (ISPs) playing their crucial part.

ISPs act as gateways for accessing webpages, video streaming sites, email servers, and everything else on the digital scale. Therefore, this article seeks to answer why understanding ISPs makes sense:

  • The Power of Choice: Choosing your ISP directly affects how well you experience your time online. Knowing the types of ISP providers, such as satellite ones, their plans available, and restrictions, means informed decisions can be made according to usage patterns.
  • Ensuring Speed and Performance: Not all ISPS are equal in what they offer. Some provide ultra-fast speeds ideal for gamers or online video editors, while others provide more basic plans for those who only casually browse the web. By understanding these choices, you can choose an ISP provider that meets your performance and speed requirements.
  • Understanding Costs and Data Caps: ISPs have unique tariffs and data caps (limits imposed on the amount of data one can use within a given period). This way, you can choose a suitable package that does not exceed your budget yet incurs extra costs due to exceeding the data limit during the billing period.
  • Impact on Online Activities: What an ISP is capable of is what one can do over the internet. For example, a low-bandwidth ISP may cause problems when participating in video conference calls or watching high-definition videos online. Your ISP’s limitations enable you to manage your expectations and modify your internet activities accordingly.
  • The Future of the Internet: ISPs are anticipated to keep evolving and playing even greater roles. Understandably, we need to know where our ISPs are going so that we can adjust our dependence upon them as technology progresses.

Understanding ISPs gives you control over what you do online and ensures you stay connected always, allowing you to prosper digitally.

The Hidden Benefits of an ISP 

Though internet access is the primary function, many ISPs offer additional services. These include:

  • Email facilities: Streamlining the creation of an email account is often done through an ISP’s bundled offer.
  • Web hosting services: Individuals or businesses can normally obtain web hosting solutions from many ISPs to enable them to host their websites online.
  • Technical support: Internet service providers (ISPs) typically provide technical support to customers who need help fixing internet connectivity problems.
  • Equipment rental: An example is renting out routers and modems by some ISPs.
  • Domain registration: This involves registering for a domain name that serves as your website address. This acts as your website’s address, making it easy for people to find you online.

Types of ISPs

ISPs have no one-size-fits-all solution. Below are some popular ones:

  • Cable ISPs : These are common types of broadband connections where coaxial cables are used. Cable connections offer good speeds but might experience occasional lag compared to alternatives.
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): ISPs- DSL uses traditional phone lines for its infrastructure. Even though it may not be very fast, it provides a reliable option for numerous places.
  • Fiber Optic ISPs: This is where fiber optic connections come into play in the world of ISPs. Regarding speed, they stand above all other types of ISP because they use fiber optic cables that carry data via light pulses, resulting in ultra-fast and dependable connections.
  • Satellite ISPs: For those in remote areas without access to traditional options, satellite-based internet service providers provide internet connectivity through satellites orbiting the Earth. Satellite internet can have high latency due to the long distances between providers and consumers.

How to Choose the Right ISP for You

Choosing an appropriate Internet Service Provider (ISP) requires careful thought. Here are some factors which may help you in making a decision:

  • Availability in Your Area: Not all areas have access to all ISPs, so check who provides service in your location first.
  • Internet Needs: Know your patterns of using the internet. Will you need very fast speeds for gaming or video editing? Or would you like a basic package for browsing/emailing?
  • Plan Options and Pricing: Look at what plans different ISPs offer in your area. When considering the price, always note how much data you get per month, how many Mbps (megabytes per second) download/upload speeds are available with each package, or if there are any add-ons included with the purchase.
  • Customer Service Reputation: Look into customer reviews for these companies’ customer support departments because it is important to have dependable and responsive help when things go wrong with your internet service.

Protecting Your Online Experience

The relationship between ISPs and consumers is not without its complexities. Let’s explore some of the crucial advocacy issues within this context.

  • Net Neutrality: This principle ensures that all internet traffic is treated equally. In simple terms, this means that ISPs should not prioritize specific content or slow down certain data types, which is called throttling. The debate on net neutrality goes on as it can greatly influence the diversity and accessibility of online content.
  • Data Caps and Throttling: Most ISPs impose data caps on data consumption for a given billing period. Overshooting these caps may result in additional charges or throttling, which slows your internet speed. Consumer advocates demand greater transparency and more equitable practices from internet service providers.

Understanding these problems is important to enable you to make informed decisions about your internet service provider. Additionally, it’s important to know as much as possible about ongoing regulation movements and advocacy efforts that intend to guard against consumer rights abuses in the digital world.

Learn how Web3 is addressing these issues

ISPs Around the World

ISPs operate differently across the globe. Here is how it plays out at international levels:

  • Infrastructure and Development: Internet service availability and quality can vary significantly between developed and less developed countries. Infrastructure investment and technological development are significant factors affecting internet accessibility globally.
  • Government Regulations: The activities of ISPs may be affected by government policies and regulations, which might differ among countries. For example, pricing models, content restrictions in certain regions, or competition among entrants into the ISP market.
  • Digital Divide: Those who have access to the internet versus those who do not pose a digital divide problem. Recognizing this global context reveals ongoing attempts to close this gap so everyone can access online resources equally.

The Importance of ISPs

Internet service providers are important in connecting you to the online world. You need this to make well-informed decisions about the kind of ISP package you want.  Whichever category you find yourself in, being a casual web surfer or a game enthusiast who hungers for bandwidth, it is, therefore, necessary to have an excellent ISP that will make your internet experience smooth and fun. 

Remember that your ISP address is your unique digital signature, allowing you to connect with and communicate on the vast World Wide Web.  While browsing through websites next time or even streaming videos, take a moment and appreciate the crucial part played by ISPs in enabling these digital experiences.

ISP: FAQs Answered

Does Google Act as an Internet Service Provider? 

No, Google does not primarily operate as a search engine giant, but it does offer Google Fiber’s internet services in a few areas.

How many providers are there?

Determining the exact number of ISPs worldwide is difficult because regional markets vary greatly, and numerous independent firms operate locally or regionally. However, several companies offer ISP services across continents, with different offerings covering various parts of the world.

What distinguishes IP from ISP? 

An Internet Protocol (IP) is a special name representing the numerical number provided to an Internet device. It is like a unique code for your gadget in a network. Conversely, an ISP relates to your internet connection and assigns you an IP address.

Can I refer to a WiFi provider as an ISP? 

No, not always. Although some ISPs also have Wi-Fi hotspots, most Wi-Fi providers only provide wireless internet access in specific locations such as coffee shops or airports. On the other hand, an ISP provides a wider internet connection that flows into your Wi-Fi network.

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How does it work?

Once you have completed your order, you will automatically receive on www.freename.io platform, in your personal area “portfolio” the randomly assigned NFT Domain value $50 or if you’re lucky a randomly assigned TLD with value $699 (between these: .immersive; .multiverse; .freelancer; .cashback; .hologram)

you can chose on which blockchain you want to mint your NFT Domain/TLD on and minting fee is covered by Freename!

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Why do i Need a Wallet?

Freename domains are blockchain-based assets and would be minted and stored using a wallet. Users are required to mint and manage their domains using a Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallet. It must be a non-custodial wallet, meaning that one must own the private keys to the wallet in order to approve transactions via a signature.

To benefit from Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs, you must have a wallet. This is because Web 3 domains/TLDs are blockchain-based assets. Users can mint and manage their domains using Metamask or Coinbase-configured wallets.

Keep in mind that it must be a non-custodial wallet. You own the private keys to the wallet (in order to approve transactions via a signature).

Are the Domains Associated with ICANN?

ICANN does not manage freename.io domains. Freename.io believes their TLDs/domains must allow customers to operate independently. Freename.io wants to build a utility infrastructure, allowing customers to use their services for valuable and generative purposes. By leveraging blockchain technology, Freename Web 3 domains/TLDs have no centralized authority imposing rules and regulations.

What is a Wallet?

Every blockchain user requires a wallet in order to interact with the network. A wallet is essentially an account on the blockchain where transactions can be sent and received. It is also where one can store blockchain assets such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens). There is no personal information associated with a wallet and none is required to create one. A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. The public key can be safely shared with anyone who wishes to send assets to the corresponding wallet, however, the private key should not be shared and is the key to accessing the wallet in the event where access is lost or to create another instance.

A crypto wallet (cryptocurrency wallet) is software or hardware that enables users to store and use cryptocurrency. With cryptocurrencies, there isn’t any actual money to carry around in a wallet. They exist on the blockchain. Similarly to traditional bank transfers, crypto wallets enable users to send and receive cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.

A wallet consists of a public key and a private key. To receive assets, you share your public key associated with your wallet. You should NEVER share your private key.

How do i Claim my Earnings from Freename

ou can withdraw revenues generated passively through a cryptocurrency transfer. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet and, once your withdrawal request is confirmed, the desired amount is pulled from Freename’s reserves and conveniently delivered to you!

Claim your earnings by following these steps:

  1. Connect your cryptocurrency wallet to Freename.io
  2. Request a withdrawal
  3. Receive request confirmation
  4. Receive withdrawal directly to your wallet.

Can i Transfer Domains?

Yes. The domain is stored in your cryptocurrency wallet and can be transferred by you after you have minted it. Access your portfolio, select the TLD or Domain you wish to transfer and type the recipient’s address. Afterwards, you must paste the OTP code you received by mail to confirm the transaction. Keep in mind that currently, it is not possible to import the domain that has been transferred, but it will be possible soon!

Yes. Domains are transferable ONLY after a TLD/domain has been minted and stored in a user’s wallet.

To transfer the TLD (or domain), the user must:

  • Access their wallet
  • Select the item they want to transfer
  • Enter the recipient’s address.
  • Confirm the transaction by pasting the OTP received by email

In the future, Freename.io will support importing domains that have been transferred.

What about Trademarks?

Registering a trademark on your Freename Web3 TLD will allow you to protect your web3 TLD and your logo worldwide juridically.

From the moment you deposit a trademark request, your web3 TLD will be protected worldwide for 6 months awaiting for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE.ch) to confirm and register the availability of your TLD.****

A trademark is any symbol, phrase, or word that allows customers to identify a company’s goods or services. Freename is a web3 domain/TLD provider that also provides trademark registration.

A user must reach out to the trademark department to register a trademark. To get your trademark filed for review at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, a user must provide the following:

  1. Complete a Know your customer (KYC)
  2. A list of TLDs they wish to trademark
  3. Proof of payment

Once these conditions are met, it takes one week for the trademark to be reviewed and logo/TLDs to be provided with six months of worldwide protection.

Is Minting the same as Buying?

Purchasing a TLD (or domain) on Freename and minting it on the blockchain are two distinct steps. When you purchase a TLD (or domain), the transaction is recorded in Freename’s database and not on the blockchain. Minting a TLD (or domain) on the blockchain requires a second step: log into the user’s personal area, select the TLD (or domain) and press “mint TLD” (or domain): done! Don’t worry, once you have purchased a Freename domain, no one can take it away from you!

No. Buying and Minting a TLD/domain are two different things.**

Buying **is the process of recording a transaction on Freename’s database and not on the blockchain.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full control over the TLD/domain.

It is very easy to mint a domain/TLD once you purchase it. Simply:

  • Log into your personal area
  • Select the TLD (or domain)
  • Press “mint TLD” (or domain)

What is Domain Minting?

Minting is the process of publishing a Freename domain (or TLD) on the blockchain via your wallet to gain full custody of the domain. This means that the only person that has control over the domain (or TLD) is the person who controls (has access to) the wallet.

Minting is the process of pushing a user’s domain from Freename.io data onto the public ledger of a blockchain and into a user’s wallet. Giving the user full ownership over the domain.

Minting on Freename.io is as simple as the following steps:

  1. Go to the Freename.io website
  2. Enter the TLD/domain you want to buy in the search bar
  3. Add the TLD/domain to your cart
  4. Go to checkout
  5. Create a Freename.io account
  6. Purchase the TLD/domain with cryptocurrency or a credit card
  7. Go to “portfolio and incomes.”
  8. Click on mint TLD/domain

Which domains are Protected?

Protected domains and TLDs are domains and TLDs that we’ve detected are associated with a brand, organization, or notable person. We believe it is important to increase adoption for the next generation of the internet by helping to onboard brands into the Web3 era. If you are interested in applying for a Protected domain, please contact us.

TLDs/Domains associated with a notable person, brand or organization are considered Protected Domains. Protected domains help onboard brands in Web 3 increasing adoption. Protected domains also protect users from others impersonating/stealing their domains.

Reach out to Freename.io to apply for a protected domain.

Why use Freename?

Freename domains are unique by their very nature: only with Freename you can register domains with unique TLDs for your digital identity while passively earning money!

Freename.io is not only the leading TLD and Domains platform in Web 3, but also lets users generate passive income!

Owning a Freename Web 3 TLD entitles users to receive passive income whenever a domain is bought on their TLD. Users can register and mint TLD/domains of their choice if available.

What is a Domain?

A domain name is a string of letters and/or numbers that points to the IP address of the corresponding website. Generally, it is easier to remember a name than a long string of numbers.

A domain name is an address that people type into a browser bar to find a website. It consists of a Top-Level Domain (TLD), everything that comes after the dot, and the Second-Level Domain (SLD), everything that comes before the dot.

For example, “Freename.io” is the domain name, “Freename” is the SLD and “io” is the TLD.

Which Chains are Supported?

Freename has a multi-chain approach. You can choose on which Blockchain to mint your Web3 Domains and TLDs ranging Among Polygon, Cronos, and Binance.

A user can mint a Freename.io domain/TLD on the following blockchains:

  • Polygon
  • Cronos
  • Binance

Freename plans to expand its multi-chain approach by adding blockchains upon which domains can be minted.

Are there Renewal Fees?

No! Once you’ve bought a Freename Domain or TLD, it’s yours forever, no renewal fees ever!

No. There are no renewal fees on Freename.io. Once a user has paid a one-time payment for a domain/TLD, they own it. Forever.

This is the significant advantage of Web 3 domain/TLD over traditional alternatives.

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