Final answer:
Internet service providers (ISPs) are the organizations that provide internet access for a fee. They have evolved from dial-up connections using phone lines to broadband connections with advanced technologies. ISPs are subject to regulatory debates about fair access and common carrier status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The businesses or organizations that provide internet access to others, typically for a fee, are known as Internet service providers (ISPs). These providers connect users to the internet, offering various levels of service depending on the needs of the consumer. Over time, ISPs evolved from using standard phone lines and modems to more advanced broadband connections, using technologies such as cable television lines and dedicated lines for faster internet access. The growth of ISPs corresponded with the development of the modern internet, including the creation of the first websites and search engines in the 1990s.
Debates around ISPs include discussions on whether they should be treated as common carriers, which involves regulatory considerations by entities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The concern is to ensure ISPs are regulated fairly without creating disparities in internet access across different populations.