Open Internet Principles

Open Internet Principles of ZipLinkInternet.com

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 contains information regarding our services and in compliance with the FCC’s rules. The policies contained herein serve as a supplement to the existing terms of service.

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; and
  • 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.

Application-Specific Behavior: 

ZipLink limits bandwidth on point-to-point file sharing traffic to 5Mbps per tower covering traffic exchanged on unencrypted packets to/from services such as all-p2p, bit-torrent, blubster, direct-connect, edonkey, fasttrack, gnutella, soulseek, winmx andall traffic on ports 6881-6999. Customers are limited to maximum concurrent outgoing email server connections from port 25 to 10 emails. Customers exceeding this are restricted from sending any port 25 traffic for 2 hours.

Device Attachment Rules:

ZipLink does not restrict industry-standard devices from attaching to the network.

Security:

ZipLink follows industry-standard measures to maintain the security of its network. All customers except those that request public IP addresses are protected via double network address translation devices. Gateway firewall performs packet filtering on all incoming/outgoing traffic. This includes monitoring for port scanners and denial of service attacks.

Performance Characteristics:

ISPs must disclose the following network performance characteristics:

Service Description:

Data feeds are delivered via fiber on DIA circuits from carrier vendors. Data is transmitted to towers via high capacity, licensed microwave links. Last mile delivery is performed wirelessly from towers to customer premises using enterprise grade wireless equipment. Customer traffic in the wireless medium is prioritized for video and VOIP according to the following Differential Service Code Points (DSCP):

  • Background: 0x08, 0x20
  • Video: 0x28, 0xA0
  • Voice: 0x30, 0xE0, 0x88, 0xB8

Impact of Specialized Services:

ZipLink does not offer specialized services at this time.

Commercial Terms:

ISPs must disclose the commercial terms of its broadband Internet access service including those listed below.

Pricing:

Please see Service Plans for information regarding current plans.

Privacy Policies:

Customer information is used only for internal purposes. Information on how customer information is used can be found on the Ziplink Internet web site here on the Legal Page. Because most customer are serviced by private IP addresses, Ziplink does store network traffic conversation data for a period of up to one year in order to comply with any possible legal actions such as copyright infringement. Regular inspection of customer traffic is not a standard practice. Sharing of network traffic information with 3rd party companies is also not a standard practice.

Redress Options:

ZipLink handles customer concerns in a timely and fair manner.

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 the company, rights holders, and end users. Furthermore, the FCC’s Open Internet Rules, as adopted, and this company’s Open Internet Principles do not prohibit the 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.