Fergie's Tech Blog

Qwest Surrenders After Broadbanders Revolt Over Spam AUP

Via eMail Battles.

A few days ago, broadband users went ballistic when they discovered language in Qwest's Acceptable Use Policy and High-Speed Internet Subscriber Agreement that appeared to:

1. bar usage of servers, even though the accounts had been clearly set up for use by servers, and;
2. charge account holders "U.S. dollars ($5.00) for each piece of Spam transmitted from or otherwise connected with your account."

To many, Qwest's lawyers had cast a net wide enough to put virtually any customer, commercial or residential, in a precarious position should any disputes should arise. Indeed, the "otherwise connected with your account" language left users incredulous. After all, isn't spam you receive "otherwise connected to your account?"

While Qwest defenders cried that "other kids do it, too," Email Battles pointed to a couple of fierce Qwest competitors, AT&T and Mediacom, who clearly do not serve up such odiferous porridge.

posted by Fergie @ 1/13/2006 10:08:00 AM