On Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:09:17 -0500 "David C. Rankin" <drankinatty@suddenlinkmail.com> wrote:
On 07/14/2014 12:00 AM, Jim Henderson wrote:
On Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:09:16 -0700, jdebert wrote:
Is it possible to avoid this stuff?
Well, perhaps the obvious solution is to stop using Sprint.
What I would do is call their customer support and say "I noticed something weird...." and get them to admit what they're doing - and then tell them that that's not what you signed up for when you agreed to service with them (assuming that there's nothing in the contract that permits them to modify traffic like that).
IMHO, providers need to be called out on this - rather than customers just trying to find ways to quietly circumvent it. The reason providers get away with stuff like this is because nobody speaks up about it.
Jim
Not only call-out the ISP, but also send a letter to your US Representative and Senator if you live in the US. Recall, US based ISP's avoided competition by local providers (like the phone companies) by making a laundry list of promises to congress about the services and safeguards they provide consumers. It was a bunch of BS at the time and if they are now abusing the near monopoly positions they hold in the local markets, that would certainly be something that could be used as ammunition the next time the issue comes up.
Call me cynical but I think it wouldn't help much, if at all. Net neutrality is on it's way to being nullified by Congress regardless and it is too quick to cater to the telecom cabal. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to document what's going on. Documentation is what gets them in the end, right?
Yes it sounds nerdy, but this is what self-governance requires. Just a one-paragraph letter (e-mail now days as well) beginning with Dear Representative _________, an explanation of the abuse, an explanation of how your options are limited due to lack of competition in your area, and a closing request congress reverse its decision preventing competitive local providers of internet services and a need add consumer protections preventing abusive practices by providers such as those detailed here.... Very Truly Yours.. You.
<sarcasm> WHAT?!?!? You mean I have to actually DO something instead of telling my congresscritter to do it for me? Self-governance is such a b**ch. </sarcasm> Actually, it's a bit fun... jd -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org