Other ISPs' Agreements

Introduction

US Netizen has a very simple and honest Service Agreement, Privacy Policy and Acceptable Use Policy. We are up front about what we expect, provide, and limit. Most high quality ISPs are also upfront and honest. US Netizen is different because we provide the same high quality access and have the same integrity as the other high quality ISPs, but we do it for a lower cost.

Many other ISPs provide internet access at prices similar to and sometimes less than US Netizen. How do they do it? Some cut services, like only providing free technical support via e-mail. If you are having enough difficulty with your Internet service that you need technical support, chances are that your can't get on-line to send an e-mail. If you call their Technical Support, it can cost up to $1.95 per minute for the privilege. So much for low cost.

Other low cost ISPs make extra money by selling your personal information to marketers. Read the fine print - it's in there. Toolbars are "given" to customers as a "free service" when the real purpose is to collect personal information for sale to marketers. Is it worth it?

The following are quotes from real ISP service agreements. Is yours here? Did you realize it said that?  These actual quotes are in two categories:

Lack of Privacy and Marketing and What Unlimited Really Means

Lack of Privacy and Marketing

NetZero

"NetZero will collect, store, compile and utilize information about you, your computer, your phone number and your use of the NetZero Services including, without limitation, information regarding the Web sites you visit and information that you provide in response to NetZero questionnaires, surveys and registration forms. NetZero may provide this information to third parties including advertisers, clients, marketing organizations and others." NetZero Membership Agreement June 2004

No respect for your privacy at NetZero

"You expressly permit and authorize NetZero (and such third parties as may be authorized by NetZero, subject to the Privacy Statement) to furnish you, electronically when you use the NetZero Services or by any other means selected by NetZero, information or materials prepared by NetZero or by (or on behalf of) other entities, including advertising information and solicitations. You acknowledge that any such information, advertisements and solicitations are an inseparable part of the NetZero Service, and you understand and agree that the furnishing of such information, advertisements and solicitations to you cannot be terminated unless the NetZero Service is also terminated." NetZero Membership Agreement June 2004

NetZero promises to send you spam

"As part of the NetZero Service, NetZero may from time to time download software owned by NetZero or third parties to your computer. Your use of the NetZero Service constitutes your consent to such downloads." NetZero Membership Agreement June 2004

Spyware courtesy of NetZero

PeoplePC

"To access the Internet through PeoplePC's network, you are required to use PeoplePC's proprietary dialer software and other network management software that PeoplePC delivers to you from time to time ("Software"). PeoplePC may automatically check the version of the PeoplePC software you are using and may automatically download modifications and upgrades to such software. You consent to the downloading and use of such software and updates, as a condition of receiving the Service." PeoplePC Membership Agreement June 2004

You must use their dialer software

Juno Platinum - "Unlimited Internet Access"

"You expressly permit and authorize Juno (and such third parties as may be authorized by Juno, subject to the Privacy Statement) to furnish you, electronically when you use the Services or by any other means selected by Juno, information or materials prepared by Juno or by (or on behalf of) other entities, including advertising information, solicitations and software downloads. You acknowledge that any such information, advertisements, solicitations and downloads are an inseparable part of the Services, and you understand and agree that the furnishing of such information, advertisements, solicitations and downloads to you cannot be terminated unless the Services are also terminated." Juno Terms and Conditions June 2004

Juno promises to send you spam, too

What Unlimited Really Means

Show some honesty - please.  These ISPs market unlimited Internet access, but the fine print expressly defines limits - lots of limits.

Juno Platinum - "Unlimited Internet Access"

"You acknowledge that Juno may implement prioritization practices in connection with accessing certain internet access Services and that your ability to establish and maintain a connection to the applicable Service may be limited, in connection with such practices or otherwise. You acknowledge that any limits Juno establishes may differ for different portions of the Services, and in particular may be set at different levels for subscribers based on factors determined in Juno's sole discretion, which may or may not include, among others, a subscriber's chosen service level, specific usage patterns, geographic location, the particular telecommunications carrier through which a connection to the Services are attempted or established, and/or a subscriber's participation in certain programs designed to generate revenues for Juno". Juno Terms and Conditions June 2004 (emphasis added)

"You agree that your account may not be used to maintain a persistent and continuous connection to the Internet..." Guidelines for Acceptable Use March 13, 2001(latest available)

Does this sound "unlimited?"  The limits may be adjusted if you join a "program designed to generate revenues for Juno."

PeoplePC

"What do you mean by 'unlimited Internet access'?

This means that there is no limit to the amount of time you can spend online with your PeoplePC Online Internet access account." PeoplePC Q&A June 2004 (emphasis added)

"Continuous Internet access through the Service may be limited by idle timeout procedures. PeoplePC may limit the length of sessions to a reasonable period, as determined by PeoplePC, after which sessions may automatically be terminated." PeoplePC Membership Agreement June 2004 (emphasis added)

This doesn't sound "unlimited" either.

Coastal Web Online

"Unlimited Access means you have access 24 hours a day.  It does not mean unlimited time.  CWO reserves the right to check customer usage hours.  Hours in excess of 250 per month will be subject to review." CWO Website September 2004 (emphasis added)

What kind of doubletalk is this? This doesn't sound like "unlimited access."

Gobigwest

"Unlimited accounts are not dedicated accounts and do not provide for fixed connectivity of unlimited duration. The Company reserves the right to disconnect users who are idle or have been connected for an exorbitant amount of time (approximately in excess of 150 hours per month, the general industry standard for determining abuse, or an excessive use per day exceeding a normal work day). " Gobigwest User Agreement January 2005 (emphasis added)

This "unlimited account" is actually only 150 hours!  

Pacificnet

"Unlimited personal access* (150 Hours of Unlimited Usage)"  "*Unlimited Personal Access means that as a PacificNet customer, your internet access will not be filtered, as opposed to services offered by other national internet providers."  Pacificnet.net website 2005