Common abbreviation for Internet Service Provider, a kind of company
that barely existed before 1993. ISPs sell Internet access to the
mass market. While the big nationwide commercial BBSs with Internet
access (like America Online, CompuServe, GEnie, Netcom, etc.) are
technically ISPs, the term is usually reserved for local or regional
small providers (often run by hackers turned entrepreneurs) who
resell Internet access cheaply without themselves being information
providers or selling advertising. Compare {NSP}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {NSP}{rogue}{throwaway account}]