We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Marketing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Service Provider?

M. McGee
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 89,609
Share

A service provider is a business that supplies expert care or specialized services rather than an actual product. The term is usually saved for companies related to communication or technology, such as mobile phone companies or Internet service providers. Other service-related businesses, such as banks or mechanics, rarely are called a service provider, even though the name would fit. It is common for companies in this field to provide subscriptions for their clients rather than work through single sales.

There are many different types of service providers. These companies typically have a narrow focus and customer base. While it is not uncommon for a person to deal with more than one type of service provider, it is uncommon for that person to deal with two of the same type. For instance, few people have more than one type of Internet, cable and DSL, coming into the same house.

Internet service providers (ISP) provide access to the Internet and are a base for several other computer-related service providers. While there are a wide variety of service types, dial-up, cable modem, or DSL to name a few, the overall service is similar across the companies. Most ISPs require a monthly subscription fee in exchange for letting the user access their systems and network to transmit data. Their network is in turn connected to others, allowing full Internet access.

A network service provider (NSP) connects ISPs and business networks together, allowing separate networks to talk. Some NSPs have moved into home and business service as ISPs, blurring the line between the two company types. NSPs may also provide access to phone companies, allowing transmission of both normal and cellular calls.

Application service providers (ASP) provide computer services like program access or remote troubleshooting and repair. These software-as-a-service companies typically have highly specialized software used for specific tasks. This software is used through a web portal for as long as the subscribing company requires it. While typically seen as a business service, online games also fall under the ASP header. These games can have millions of paying subscribers making them one of the largest sectors of the ASP market.

Hosting service providers hold Internet-based information, such as webpages or downloadable files. Hosts provide a platform for the creation of webpages, file storage, or information exchange. This service keeps home and business users from needing to maintain a webserver for their information.

A telecommunications service provider allows people to talk to one another through the phone system. Communication over landlines has become less common, and most communication is done through satellites and full ground networks. It is increasingly common for a land call and a cell call to be transmitted along the same line as an Internet video or a cable TV show.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M. McGee
By M. McGee
Mark McGee is a skilled writer and communicator who excels in crafting content that resonates with diverse audiences. With a background in communication-related fields, he brings strong organizational and interpersonal skills to his writing, ensuring that his work is both informative and engaging.
Discussion Comments
By icecream17 — On Feb 13, 2011

Latte31 - I also have Direct TV for cable service and I also enjoy it very much.

I know those bundle packages do save you some money but I rather use the service provider that I like best.

For example, AT&T has a bundle package with Bellsouth if you use them as your wireless service provider and subscribe to Bellsouth’s landline and DSL service for $100 a month.

The problem is that I love Verizon which is my mobile service provider. Their reception is excellent and I have never had any dropped calls so I would never switch to AT&T no matter what. For me quality is more important than price.

By latte31 — On Feb 12, 2011

I use Bellsouth as my DSL service provider and telephone service provider. They also have a bundle package that includes cable for $100 a month, but rather have Direct TV.

I find that the reception on Direct TV better than the reception for regular cable.

They also offer a lot more channels and I love the DVR option because I get to record programs that I could watch later.

It is really addicting. You can record a single program or all of the episodes of the program. It gives you 200 hours of available recording time before you have to delete some programs. There are also thousands of movies that you can download for free.

M. McGee
M. McGee
Mark McGee is a skilled writer and communicator who excels in crafting content that resonates with diverse audiences....
Learn more
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-service-provider.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.