The Internet Services Providers’ Association (Ispa) has announced the finalists for its 11th annual UK Internet Industry Awards.

The trade body for ISPs said competition for the finalists’ places was particularly fierce this year with a record amount of entries from companies. The announcement of the finalists follows three months of rigorous testing of entrants by Ispa’s technical testing partners, Epitiro.

Nicholas Lansman, secretary general of the Ispa, said: "Each year the Ispa rewards the UK’s top Internet companies in each category after thorough testing and judging of each entrant. I would like to congratulate all of the finalists and look forward to welcoming them to the Awards dinner."

The categories and shortlists for consumer ISPs are as follows: Vying for Best Consumer Fixed Broadband ISP are Eclipse Internet, Newnet plc, O2, Plusnet and Virgin Media. The battle for Best Consumer Mobile Broadband ISP will be fought out between Orange UK, Virgin Media and Vodafone.

The winner of this year’s Best Consumer Customer Service award will go to one of the following: Be Unlimited, Newnet, O2, Plusnet or Virgin Media. Although broadband dominates there is still an award for Best Dial-Up ISP and the contenders are Exa Networks, Firenet Internet and Supanet Ltd.

The Ispa awards also recognise business ISPs and a list can be found on Ispa’s awards website. Final judging will be completed over the next few weeks with a panel chaired by John Fisher, Citizens Online Chief Executive.

The finalists for the Internet Hero and Internet Villain awards will also be announced shortly.

The winners will receive their award at a ceremony hosted at the Grosvenor Marriott Hotel. Tickets for the event can be purchased via the Ispa Awards website.