ISPFH Co-Op Acceptable Use Policy
This statement represents guidelines for the acceptable use of ISPFH Co-Op
communications media, including traffic terminating on or passing through its
networks. In such instances where data communications leave ISPFH's systems
and are carried by other networks, ISPFH's users and connecting networks
are advised that the acceptable use policies of other networks are applicable,
and must be respected.
ISPFH informs its users of its own policies, and requires its
connecting networks to do the same.
ISPFH has the right to terminate the services of an offending member or
take other action as ISPFH deems appropriate without notice. ISPFH reserves
the right to modify this Policy at any time. Users agree that their use
of ISPFH facilities constitutes acknowledgement of an understanding of then
existing ISPFH policies as posted on the ISPFH website at the time of such
use.
Purpose:
ISPFH Co-Op, a not-for-profit Illinois Corporation, has established
its networks to:
- Provide high quality networking services at or near cost to its members,
whether they be corporate entities or individual members.
- Place high-quality, bandwidth-assured networking resources within the cost
limitations of individuals, small corporations, and non-profit organizations.
Requirements of Usage:
- To respect the privacy of the users of ISPFH, and all networks
accessible via ISPFH.
- To use the network connectivity provided by ISPFH for legal purposes only;
Particularly to respect the legal protection provided by copyright, license,
and other applicable legal devices to programs, communications, and data.
ISPFH will terminate any account that is repeatedly used to infringe copyrights.
- To respect the integrity of computing systems, and to not use the network
connectivity provided by ISPFH to compromise same.
- To not use the network connectivity provided by ISPFH in a manner that
disrupts, interrupts, or degrades the quality of the connectivity of any
ISPFH member, or of the Co-Op as a whole.
Specifically Acceptable Uses:
- Usage for private personal or business communications.
- Usage for public communications as suggested by the charters
of USENET newsgroups, and the well known guidelines generally
accepted by the users and news administrators of same.
- Usage for research or educational purposes.
- Usage for data communications in accordance with applicable laws.
Specifically Unacceptable Uses, among others:
- It is not acceptable to use the network connectivity provided by ISPFH to
transmit unlawful, threatening, or harassing materials.
- It is not acceptable to use the network connectivity provided by ISPFH to
interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions
include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertisement
via e-mail, USENet, IRC or other means, inappropriate filing of USENet articles
contrary to a newsgroup's charter, and using the network to make unauthorized
entry to any other machines accessible via the Co-Op's Internet connectivity.
- It is not acceptable to use the network connectivity provided by ISPFH for
the purposes of transmitting "chain letters," "broadcasting" messages to
non-consenting individuals, nor any other type of use which
will result in denial of service to ISPFH or ISPFH's connecting networks,
or which would significantly and without authorization interfere with
the connectivity of others.
Violation of Policy:
The Technical Board of the ISPFH Co-Op will review alleged violations of
Acceptable Use Policy on a case by-case basis. Violations of policy may result
in a requirement that the member upgrade services to accommodate otherwise legitimate
use that is degrading ISPFH functionality because the member is under-provisioned
for the use, or in serious cases, in termination of ISPFH membership and network
services to member.
Please address all questions or comments regarding this policy statement to
board@ispfh.org