Internet Service Providers Report

Methodology

The primary methodology utilized in this study is a survey that samples the universe of Canadian ISPs. At present, the Canadian ISP Industry is believed to be comprised of approximately 480 ISPs, of which 8 are considered large (CAIP 2003).

In order to ensure a representative analysis of large and small ISPs, the following methods were implemented:

1. Separate treatment of large and small ISPs.
2. For large ISPs (defined as those having approximately 100,000 subscribers or more), a census of the eight (8) large ISPs was completed.
3. For small firms, random sampling was be used to ensure that the resulting estimates are representative of the overall ISP industry in Canada. The universe of ISPs in Canada is estimated at 480 firms (CAIP 2003). The sample frame was defined as the union of the membership lists of three industry associations CAIP (Canadian Association of Internet Providers), CCTA (Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association), and OTA (Ontario Telecommunications Association), along with the list of ISPs provided by www.canadianisp.com (excluding large ISPs). Taken together, this sample frame represented 345 ISPs, or 72% of the population. Excepting the eight large ISPs, each ISP had the same probability of being selected. A sample was drawn randomly from this sample frame.
4. Interviews were conducted by telephone with the ISPs selected. Where necessary, multiple respondents were used within the organization.

Surveys have been completed with the eight (8) large ISPs and forty-eight (48) small ISPs. Summary statistics for respondent firms are presented in Table 1. While the sample includes only approximately 12% of all the ISPs believed to be operating in Canada (56 of 480), it does represent over 80% of all Internet subscribers in Canada.