ALSO CALLED: NSP, Network Services Providers, and Backbone Providers
DEFINITION: A network service provider (NSP) is a company that provides backbone services to an Internet serviceprovider (ISP), the company that most Web users use for access to the Internet. Typically, an ISP connects at a point called an Internet Exchange (IX) to a regional ISP that in turn connects to an NSP backbone. In the U.S., major NSPs include MCI, Sprint, UUNET, AGIS, and  … 
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NETWORK SERVICE PROVIDERS DEFINITION (continued): …  BBN.

An ISP can purchase a wholesale dial access service froman NSP, which provides dialup connectivity for their customers. Customers then dial into their ISP's network using a local access number, which in turn connects to the backbone of that Internet provider's NSP. The NSP routes all traffic and basically provides the infrastructure needed for Internetconnectivity. The NSP builds, maintains, and expands their infrastructure asInternet traffic demands. The ISP is responsible for its own network, sales andmarketing, and customer service. An ISP can also purchase other services … 
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