Network Practices Disclosure
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has adopted rules to preserve the Internet as an open platform (“Rules” or “Open Internet Rules”). Information regarding these Rules is available on the FCC’s website at: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/open-internet
Broadband Internet access providers are required to post information regarding network management practices, performance characteristics and commercial terms so that residential and business consumers, as well as edge providers, can make informed choices regarding use of service and for content, application, service and device providers to develop, market and maintain Internet offerings. This Open Internet Policy sets forth certain information regarding the policies and practices of Stephouse Networks (“Stephouse”). This Network Practices Disclosure is a supplement to and is incorporated by reference in the Stephouse Service Agreement (available: http://stephouse.net/terms-of-service), and is referenced to by the fixed Broadband Consumer Disclosure for high-speed residential and business service plans.
Network Management Practices
Congestion Management
Stephouse’s Customers are subject to the maximum connection speeds set and usage limits set forth in the Confirmation of Sale. In a manner consistent with the Stephouse Privacy Policy, Stephouse monitors network traffic to ensure capacity is sufficient to maintain an efficient network load, to perform diagnostics and to otherwise manage and enhance our network. To help manage traffic on Stephouse’s network, during times of high demand, Stephouse may allocate available bandwidth among Customers on an equal basis, by account level. In addition, Stephouse may, at the Customer’s option, prioritize latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP, over other traffic types. Stephouse’s congestion management practices are in place to ensure that all Customers experience high quality service. If Stephouse determines, in its sole and reasonable discretion, that the manner in which a Customer is using the Service negatively impacts other Customers or the Stephouse network, Stephouse reserves the right to apply additional congestion management techniques. In addition, the Stephouse network may not support high-bandwidth video and voice applications.
Stephouse’s service is provided on a “best efforts” basis. Certain circumstances may affect the speed and quality of Service, including but not limited to foliage, line-of-sight obstructions, the distance between a Customer and the transmission point and the Customer’s connection of multiple devices to the Stephouse network.
Application-Specific Behavior
Subject to the qualification that Stephouse may reasonably limit peer-to-peer applications as set forth above, Stephouse generally treats all lawful applications identically; however, Stephouse reserves the right to block or limit access to any applications that Stephouse determines, in Stephouse’s sole and reasonable discretion, may expose Stephouse to potential legal liability, harm the Stephouse network or otherwise interfere with or impair the experience of other Customers on the Stephouse network.
Subscriber-Triggered Network Management Practices
The Stephouse network is designed in a manner that is intended to prohibit third parties who are not served by the Stephouse network from initiating connections to Customers on the Stephouse network if Stephouse has not allocated a public IP address to that Customer as provided in Stephouse may prohibit certain activity on the Stephouse network that Stephouse deems, in Stephouse’s sole and reasonable discretion poses a potential risk to Stephouse’s network or to other Customers. Triggering conditions include denial of service activity, IP address or port scanning and excessive account login failures. If Stephouse notices excessive Customer connections that are harmful or that disrupt the normal use of the Stephouse network for other Customers, Stephouse will attempt to notify the Customer to work collaboratively to remedy the issue; however; Stephouse reserves the right as a reasonable network management practice, without advance notice, to block any Customer’s traffic that Stephouse determines, in Stephouse’s sole and reasonable discretion, may cause harm to the Stephouse network or to other Customers, until the issue is addressed to Stephouse’s satisfaction.
Device Attachment Rules
Stephouse does not limit the types of devices that can be connected to the Stephouse network, provided they are used for lawful purposes and do not harm the Stephouse network; however, if Stephouse determines, in Stephouse’s sole and reasonable discretion, that the connection of a particular type of device to the Stephouse network negatively impacts other Customers or the Stephouse network, or may expose Stephouse to potential legal liability, Stephouse reserve the right to limit or restrict Customers’ ability to connect such type of device to the Stephouse network.
Impact of Specialized Services
Stephouse offers no Specialized Services that will affect the last-mile capacity for, and the performance of, its service offering.
Acceptable Use
As set forth in the Service Agreement, all of Stephouse’s service offerings are subject to the Acceptable Use and Prohibited Internet Service Activities section of the Service Agreement, which we may from time to time establish or revise.
Privacy Policy
Stephouse’s current Privacy Policy is available here.
Redress Options
Stephouse endeavors to respond to all Customer concerns and complaints in a timely and fair manner. Stephouse encourages Customers to contact Stephouse at 503-548-2000 to discuss any complaints or concerns as they arise. Written complaints should be addressed to support@stephouse.net .
Disputes and Arbitration
The Stephouse Service Agreement requires the use of arbitration to resolve disputes and otherwise limits the remedies available to Customers in the event of a dispute.
FCC Notice
If a Customer believes that Stephouse is not complying with the FCC’s rules, the Customer may file an informal complaint with the FCC. 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 formal complaints with the FCC pursuant to Part 76 of the FCC’s rules.
Additional Disclaimers
This Network Practices Disclosure does not affect, alter or otherwise supersede the legal status of cooperative efforts by Stephouse 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, this does not prohibit Stephouse from making reasonable efforts to address the transfer of unlawful content or unlawful transfers of content. For additional information, please review the Service Agreement.