Choosing an ISP

When choosing an ISP, customers should always choose an ISPA member. ISPA operates a complaints procedure and a code of practice that members must commit to. If your ISP is an ISPA member and you have any problems, ISPA can help rather than you needing to consult Trading Standards or a lawyer. 

It is not recommended to select an ISP by price alone. Not all ISPs offer the same services. Customers should look closely at what is offered and decide what they actually need. Ultimately you get what you pay for. 

ISPs offer different broadband services. ISPs refer to connections that download data at 1 megabyte per second (mbps). The faster the connection the better, but faster connections cost more. 

If customers want to build their own website they can choose an ISP which offers hosting space as part of the package. They should find out how much space their website is likely to need, the web servers the ISP provides and if they need a specific type of web server compatible with the website’s design.

Choosing an ISP with roaming services should allow customers to connect to the internet from anywhere in the country. 

Availability of technical support and how much the ISP charges for this service are very important. ‘Free access’ ISP's generally charge around 50p per minute for technical support. This includes the time you spend on hold. Local providers may offer more personalised service, but they may not be available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The less technically minded may want to ask whether the ISP provides all the software and instructions customers need to set up and configure their computer for connection to the Internet. Some ISPs provide software that configures a computer’s settings automatically.

Finally, make sure you choose an ISPA member. 

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Notes to Editors

For further information, please contact the ISPA Press Office. Email: pressoffice@ispa.org.uk Tel: 020 7340 8741

The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: http://www.ispa.org.uk

ISPA holds permanent membership of the Internet Watch Foundation, the Internet Crime Forum, the Home Office Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet, EURIM, the Parliamentary IT Committee (PITCOM), the Association of Communication Service Providers, and international organisations such as EuroISPA, and the World ISP Forum.