Open Internet Principles of California Broadband Services
The Federal Communications Commission issued rules to preserve the Internet as an open platform.
These rules went into effect on November 20, 2011, and can be found at this
link:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-23/html/2011-24259.htm.
All Internet Service Providers
are required to post information regarding various issues so that consumers, both residential and business,
can make informed choices about choosing an Internet Service Provider. This document, in compliance with the
FCC's rules, contains information
regarding our services. The policies contained herein serve as a
supplement to our
Internet Access Service Agreement.
The FCC's rules focus on four primary issues:
- Transparency. Fixed and mobile broadband providers must disclose the network management practices,
performance characteristics, and terms and conditions of their broadband services.
- No Blocking. Fixed broadband providers may not block lawful content, applications, services, or
non-harmful devices; mobile broadband providers may not block lawful Web sites, or block applications
that compete with their voice or video telephony services.
- No Unreasonable Discrimination. Fixed broadband providers may not unreasonably discriminate in
transmitting lawful network traffic.
- Reasonable Network Management. ISPs may engage in reasonable network management to maintain a high
quality of service for broadband Internet access.
Network Practices
ISPs must disclose their network practices, specifically in the four general areas listed below. ISPs may
not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful
devices, subject to reasonable network management. An ISP may not block consumers
from accessing lawful Web sites, subject to reasonable network management; nor shall the ISP block applications
that compete with the provider's voice or video telephony services, subject to reasonable network management.
ISPs may not unreasonably discriminate in transmitting lawful network traffic over a consumer's broadband
Internet access service, although, reasonable network management shall not constitute
unreasonable discrimination. The FCC's rules state that a network management practice is reasonable if
it is appropriate and tailored to achieving a legitimate network management purpose, taking into account
the particular network architecture and technology of the broadband Internet access service.
- Congestion Management. California Broadband Services employs data caps. End users who exceed caps
will be notified and given the options of either 1) moving to a higher tier Internet service plan; or 2) limiting
their download speeds.
- Application-Specific Behavior. VoIP traffic is prioritized over other Internet traffic such as web
browsing, streaming, and file transfers.
- Device Attachment Rules. Outgoing port TCP25 is blocked by default. To open port 25, request and
management-approved justification is required.
- Security. California Broadband Services employs methods to block hackers from identifying devices on
the network. The company encourages customers to provide their own anti-virus software and keep it up to
date.
Performance Characteristics
ISPs must disclose the following network performance characteristics:
- Service Description. Internet service is provided by wireless technology. Expected access speeds
vary by location and rate plan, and range from 3mbps - 40mbps. Latency varies based on the type of radio used
and the frequency used. Service is not suitable for any "mission critical" purposes, including without
limitation: security systems, fire alarm systems, and/or life support systems. Service is suitable for most
real-time applications, based on service plan.
- Impact of Specialized Services. No specialized services are sold.
Commercial Terms
ISPs must disclose the commercial terms of its broadband Internet access service including those listed below.
- Pricing. Service Plan pricing information may be found on our
Pricing page.
Early termination fees may be found on our
Internet Access Service Agreement.
Privacy Policies. California Broadband Services does not store customer browsing information. Network
traffic is inspected for violation of the terms of our Internet
Access Service Agreement and a log of these violations may be kept. Traffic information is
not provided to third parties; nor is it used by our company for non-network management purposes.
Redress Options. Customer questions or complaints are normally answered by phone, by email, or by
on-site service. California Broadband Services makes every effort to respond to questions, and to resolve
complaints, promptly.
FCC Notice
If a customer believes that these open Internet rules are not being met, the customer may file an informal
complaint at the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC urges customers to submit any complaints via its
website at the following address: http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. Customers may also file a formal
complaint at the FCC using Part 76 of the Commission's rules.
Additional Disclaimers
The Open Internet Rules, as adopted, and these Open Internet Principles are not intended to affect, alter or
otherwise supersede the legal status of cooperative efforts by broadband Internet Access Service Providers
and other service providers that are designed to curtail infringement in response to information provided by
rights holders in a manner that is timely, effective, and accommodates the legitimate interests of service
providers,
rights holders, and end users. Furthermore, the FCC's Open Internet Rules, as adopted, and our Open Internet
Principles do not prohibit our company from making reasonable efforts to address the transfer of unlawful
content or unlawful transfers of content. For additional information, please review the
Acceptable Use Policy that is contained in our
Internet Access Service Agreement.
California Broadband Services is a division of
Encore Business
Systems, Inc., a California Corporation.
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