Since 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has issued a series of orders and rules to preserve the internet as an open platform. These original transparency rules went into effect on November 20, 2011 to “publicly disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access services sufficient for consumers to make informed choices.” In July 2014, the FCC Enforcement Decision issued a further Advisory Guidance clarifying that a provider’s advertising claims must match its posted disclosure statement. On December 14, 2017, the FCC issued its Restoring Internet Freedom Order re-categorizing broadband internet services as information services covered by Title I of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and clarifying the requirements for a provider’s “Internet Transparency Statement.” The following rule summarizes the FCC’s requirements:
Any person providing broadband Internet access service shall publicly disclose accurate information regarding the network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of its broadband Internet access services sufficient to enable consumers to make informed choices regarding the purchase and use of such services and entrepreneurs and other small businesses to develop, market, and maintain Internet offerings. Such disclosure shall be made via a publicly available, easily accessible website or through transmittal to the Commission. FCC Restoring Internet Freedom Order at par. 215
Through these rulings, all Internet service providers such as BSX Broadband (“BSX”) 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, Acceptable Use Policy, and Privacy Policy.
The FCC’s rules require internet service providers to disclose the following practices:
All traffic is treated equally and subject to congestion management practices regardless of content or service. To provide all customers reliable internet access during peak usage hours, Congestion Management is handled by Quality of Service mechanisms and algorithms. At this time, BSX does not limit bandwidth usage.
BSX does not block internet traffic regardless of protocols, applications, ports, or devices except to protect the network and customers. If a subscriber would like to use their own router, they must contact BSX to properly configure it.
BSX uses various tools to identify and block malicious activity. BSX employs various practices which include temporarily blocking certain traffic if malicious activity is detected. BSX may block specific ports, IP addresses, and cancel or suspend customer accounts used to host malicious websites or launch attacks. In order to maintain the integrity of its security programs, BSX does not disclose the specific details about its security tools. BSX does employ Denial of Service Firewall technology through a third party.
BSX provides fixed wireless broadband service using licensed and unlicensed frequencies. Broadband service is delivered via a network of access points and backhaul radios. Customer premise equipment sends and receives internet from the access point on the tower.
BSX also provides Fiber To The Home broadband service using fiber optics. From BSX’s Data Center, neighborhoods are connected to OLT’s which are then connected to ONT’s at a subscriber’s home.
Latency: Latency on BSX’s network is well below 100ms at all times with normal ranges between 10-40 ms. BSX’s broadband service is suitable for real-time applications such as streaming, VOIP, gaming, remote desktop, and VPN.
If a customer believes terms are not being met, they may file a complaint at the FCC: fcc.gov/complaints. Customers may also file a formal complaint using Part 76 of the Commission’s rules.
BSX reserves the right to cooperate with law enforcement investigations upon proper legal notice. For additional information, please review the Acceptable Use Policy located at www.bsxbroadband.net/legal.