network provider
1. The organization that maintains and operates the network components required for intelligent network (IN) functionality. A network provider may also take more than one role, e.g., also acting as service provider.
2. The entity connecting customers and Service Providers. The delivery system usually is composed of access networks and core or backbone networks, using a variety of network technologies. The delivery network is transparent to the IP traffic, although there may be timing and packet-loss issues relevant for IPTV content streamed on IP.