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About Internet Service Providers ( ISPs )What
is an ISP or WAN Connection? WAN is an acronym for Wide Area Network and usually refers to a permanent medium/high-speed connection to the Internet, e.g. from a college, university or a commercial site. Changing
to a New ISP: You can find out which companies are members by visiting the ISPA web site at http://www.ispa.org.uk or by calling them on 0207 233 7234. |
ISPA was established in 1995 to represent Internet Services Providers in the UK and promote the development of the UK Internet industry.
ISPA is a trade association of which membership is voluntary. ISPs who choose to become members of ISPA agree to abide by the ISPA Code of Practice which addresses issues such as service quality and the issue of illegal material on the Internet. ISPA Members’ commitment to the Code means that increasingly consumers view the ISPA logo as a mark of quality.
ISPA is not the Government regulator of ISPs – this role is filled by Oftel – instead ISPA promotes self-regulation in order that the industry may progress and expand without the hindrance of unnecessary legislation. The UK Government and European Commission have publicly commended ISPA’s efforts in this area.
Similarly, ISPA is not primarily a consumer focussed body. Rather it concentrates its efforts on promoting competition within the UK ISP industry, with the aim of bringing long-term benefits to it's consumers.
However, as defined by the Code of Practice, ISPA responds to complaints from the public made against ISPA Members. The complaints procedure is outlined at http://www.ispa.org.uk/html/body_code_of_practice.htm
Over 100 companies involved in the provision of Internet services in the UK are members of ISPA UK and the ISPA currently represent around 90% of the dial-up market. A regularly updated list of members is available on their web-site, along with recent press releases, policy statements and useful links.
Their members receive a weekly information bulletin on national, European and International Political developments and industry activity. Members also discuss current issues, sales opportunities and technical problems at meetings and via email discussion lists. The ISPA Legal Forum meets 6 times a year allowing ISPA members to consult solicitors from the UK’s top multimedia law firms on aspects of Internet law. Internet lawyers also gain an insight into the practical operation of the Internet Industry. Solutions to issues such as legal liability for copyright infringement are proposed, debated and developed.
In 1997 ISPA helped set up the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to tackle illegal and harmful material on the Internet. All ISPA members co-operate with the IWF and the organisation has been praised internationally as an effective model for dealing with this illegal content.
ISPA was also instrumental in establishing EuroISPA, a European federation of Internet Services Providers Associations. EuroISPA voices ISPs concerns to politicians and officials at European Union level and influences EU Internet policies.