An Internet Network Provider (often called a Network Operator or Carrier) builds and maintains the physical infrastructure—like laying fiber optic cables, cell towers, or satellite networks. An ISP (Internet Service Provider) leases or buys this infrastructure to sell, manage, and deliver internet connections directly to you as a consumer.
The Key Differences
- The Infrastructure Builder (Network Provider): Owns the "hardware" of the internet. They do not deal with end users, manage customer accounts, or provide consumer tech support. Examples include Frogfoot, Openserve, Octotel or Vumatel in South Africa.
- The Service Provider (ISP): Owns the customer relationship. They sell you a data package, provide the router, manage billing, and handle your tech support. JABI is the ISP.
Think of the Network Provider as the national highway system, and the ISP as the transport or delivery service that drives your data on it.
- JABI are responsible for maintaining and supporting the service up to the network termination point (e.g., router or handoff point).
- Any issues originating beyond this point, such as with client-owned equipment (computers, printers, internal cabling, Wi-Fi setup, etc.) or changes made within your environment (home or business IT equipment), fall outside of our standard support scope.
- In cases where support is requested for issues not caused by the ISP infrastructure, or where the root cause is determined to be on the client’s side, the time spent will be considered billable at our standard support rates. JABI does not employ an on-site technical / support team (See Section 10. of the Troubleshooting Common Internet Connectivity Issues) feel free to enquire about the standard hourly billing rates.
