About our industry

The Internet ecosystem is a complex network of networks, composed of layers and actors working together to facilitate global connectivity and communication and ensure functionality. Internet Services Providers (ISPs), in particular, play a central role in providing Internet access and maintaining the integrity of the network infrastructure. Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehending how the Internet works and navigating the digital landscape effectively.

About ISPs

Internet Services Providers are small or large companies that provide Internet access to the user. They connect users to the Internet through various technologies such as fibre optic, cable, DSL, and wireless networks. ISPs manage the infrastructure needed for connectivity and direct data between the user’s device and the Internet.

ISPs come in various shapes and sizes: from an SME to an international corporation, even the smallest of these organisations is crucial for the functioning and stability of the Internet:

  • Internet Access Providers provide the essential service of connecting users to the Internet and offer various types of Internet connections, including DSL, cable, fibre optic, wireless, and satellite.
  • Web Hosting Providers host websites and web applications on their servers and manage server infrastructure, domain registration, and provide tools for website management. Dedicated Hosting Providers provide infrastructure which includes servers, however they do not have logical access to the server’s operating system and content. Therefore, the access they have is similar to the access mere conduits have.
  • Online platforms are hosting services that, at the request of a recipient of the service, store and disseminate information to the public.
  • Email Service Providers (ESPs) offer email services, managing email servers, security, and spam filtering.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) Providers enhance privacy and security by encrypting Internet traffic and allow users to browse anonymously and access geo-restricted content.
  • Domain Registries and Registrars allow users to register and manage domain names (e.g., euroispa.org).
  • Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) optimise content delivery, improve website performance and reduce latency.
  • Cloud Service Providers offer Internet-based services, including storage, computing, and databases.
  • Internet Exchanges are physical locations where different ISPs and networks connect and exchange data directly. This helps improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of Internet traffic.
  • Data Centres are specialised buildings or spaces that house a large number of servers which store, process, and manage data. They are like the brains of the Internet, storing and delivering the information needed.
An infographic on how the Internet really works

A few words about us

EuroISPA is a pan European association of European Internet Services Providers Associations (ISPAs). It is the world’s largest association of Internet Services Providers (ISPs), representing  over 2300 ISPs across the EU and EFTA countries – including ISPs from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Romania and the UK.

The association was established in 1997 to represent the European ISP industry on EU policy and legislative issues and to facilitate the exchange of best-practices between national ISP associations. Its secretariat is located in Brussels.

EuroISPA is recognised as the voice of the EU ISP industry and is the largest ‘umbrella’ association of Internet Services Providers in the world. The reason for EuroISPA’s success to date is doubtlessly that it reflects the views of ISPs of all sizes from across its member base.

News

EuroISPA contribution to the proposal on the Digital Networks Act

EuroISPA welcomes the European Commission's proposal on the Digital Networks Act (DNA), which aims to modernise the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications and strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the sector. While supporting the overall objectives of greater harmonisation, simplification, and futureproofing of the regulatory framework, EuroISPA presents a set of targeted recommendations to support co-legislators in refining the proposal. These recommendations focus on reinforcing regulatory clarity, avoiding overlap with existing EU legislation, and ensuring that new obligations are necessary, justified, and technically feasible.

EuroISPA Contribution to the proposal on CSA 2.0. and the Directive on Simplification Measures and Alignment with the Cybersecurity Act

EuroISPA welcomes the European Commission's proposals for a revised CybersecurityAct (CSA 2.0) and the accompanying NIS2 Simplification Directive as meaningful steps towards a stronger European cybersecurity framework.

Joint Industry Statement on the Digital Omnibus on AI calling for a swift agreement with simplification at its core

The undersigned industry associations represent a broad spectrum of companies operating across Europe and beyond, spanning the entire AI value chain. Our members are at the forefront of transformative advances in AI technologies, which generate substantial benefits to the EU’s economy and society.

INSIGHT: Reworking Data Protection and Data Retention – Back to the Future? 

In this blogpost, Philipp Ehmann of eco – Association of the Internet Industry examines the European Commission’s efforts to simplify data protection rules under the Digital Omnibus, particularly regarding online tracking, cookies, and the definition of personal data. He also raises concerns about renewed data retention proposals at Council level, warning of tensions with Court of Justice case law and the risk that expanded surveillance debates could undermine balanced reform of the EU’s data protection framework.
more than 2300

represented ISPs across the EU and EFTA countries

1997

Established in 1997

+10

Council Memebers

Contact details

EuroISPA

38, Rue de la Loi
1000 Brussels

+32 2 789 6618

[email protected]

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