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A broadband service provider is the company or other entity that offers people broadband internet access. It may deliver service over cable, fiber, DSL, fixed or mobile wireless, or satellite—and it may own the network, lease it, or resell access provided over another company’s facilities.
What does “broadband service provider” mean?
In everyday use, a broadband service provider is the entity that sells or supplies broadband internet access to an end user. The FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order defined broadband Internet access service, in its regulatory context, as “a mass-market retail service by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all Internet endpoints,” with incidental capabilities included and dial-up internet access excluded. Read the FCC’s 2015 order.
That definition describes the service, rather than requiring the retail provider to own every facility used to deliver it. In practical terms, the provider is the entity offering the internet connection to the customer.
What kinds of companies can be broadband providers?
The term is not limited to cable or fiber companies. The FCC’s 2017 order discusses broadband internet access delivered over wire or radio, including wired, terrestrial wireless, and satellite platforms; a provider may own or lease the facilities it uses. See the FCC’s 2017 order.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Wired: cable, fiber, and DSL providers.
- Wireless: fixed wireless and mobile broadband providers.
- Satellite: providers that deliver access using satellite facilities.
Which technologies and plans are available depends on the specific address. The definition itself does not establish service coverage, speed, price, or performance.
Does a broadband provider own the network?
Not necessarily. The company that sells service to a customer and the company that supplies the physical network connection can be different. A retail provider can resell access over another provider’s facilities, while a facilities-based provider can supply a connection without directly selling internet access to the end user.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The FCC makes these distinctions in its fixed and mobile broadband subscription definitions. For fixed service, it also distinguishes advertised speeds from theoretical network capacity: advertised bandwidth is the speed an end user may reasonably expect. FCC fixed broadband subscription definitions and FCC mobile broadband subscription definitions.
Is an internet service provider the same as a broadband provider?
In ordinary consumer conversation, “internet service provider” (ISP) and “broadband provider” often refer to the company offering a household or business internet connection. The terms are not necessarily interchangeable in every regulatory context, however. For example, an FCC proceeding on outage reporting proposed a definition that distinguished broadband access providers from broadband backbone ISPs. That was a proposal for that proceeding, not a universal definition for all uses of “broadband provider.” FCC 2011 proposed rulemaking.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why definitions can differ in FCC rules
There is no single definition to apply automatically to every law, reporting duty, or eligibility question. The FCC’s 2015 definition addresses broadband Internet access service in the Open Internet Order. A 2008 FCC order defined the service for high-cost universal service support using an “always on” description and focusing on the end-user experience regardless of the facilities or technology. See the FCC’s 2008 order.
For a specific legal or program question, use the definition in the rule or order governing that question, and keep its date and scope attached. For example, in the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection availability-reporting context, providers report where they offer mass-market internet access using their own broadband network facilities; a reseller that is not facilities-based should not file availability data. This filing rule is specific to that collection. FCC Broadband Data Collection FAQs.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What to check when comparing broadband providers
The label “broadband provider” does not tell you whether a particular plan is suitable or available. Compare the details that affect your address and use:
- Whether the provider serves your exact address.
- The access technology used at that location.
- Advertised download and upload speeds.
- Monthly price and additional fees.
- Contract terms and any data limits.
- Whether the seller owns the facilities or resells access.
Confirm current availability and plan terms with the provider; a general definition cannot verify either for a specific address.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
