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Internet Access Agreement

Before you begin to access the Internet through RCN, you
("you", "your", "yourself", and/or "subscriber") must review the following terms
and conditions of RCN Internet Access Service (the "Access Service"). These terms
and conditions explain RCN’s obligations to you, and explain your obligations to
RCN when you use the Access Service and will constitute a binding contract between
you and RCN. RCN is providing you with the Access Service in consideration of your
agreement to abide by these terms and conditions.
I. Terms of Internet Access Agreement
1. To make your use of the Access Service as enjoyable as possible, RCN has developed
RCN’s Online Policies, which appear at the end of this Agreement and will continue to be
refined and revised over time. You agree to abide by RCN’s Online Policies and agree that
those policies are incorporated into this Agreement by reference. Please take the time to
familiarize yourself with those policies.
2. Current account charges, including billing methods, rates, and surcharges for using the
Access Service, may be found in RCN’s Online Policies.
3. You agree that RCN may: (a) revise the terms and conditions of this Agreement
(including RCN's Online Policies); (b) revise its billing rates and account surcharges;
(c) configure network devices to restrict, deny or otherwise limit access to particular
ports or internet protocol and (d) modify the services provided under this Agreement, at
any time. Any such revisions and modifications shall be binding and effective immediately
upon posting the revised Agreement or other changed service offering on RCN's corporate
website, the RCN home page, or on notification to you by e-mail or United States mail.
4. You agree to review the Agreement (including RCN’s Online Policies) periodically to be
aware of any such revisions. If any revision to this Agreement is unacceptable to you, you
may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing RCN with written notice by United
States mail, or by contacting RCN customer service via phone or email. Notice of your
termination will be effective on receipt by RCN.
5. You agree that, by continuing to use the Access Service following notice of any revision to
the Agreement (including RCN’s Online Policies), you accept any such revisions and agree to
abide by any such revisions.
6. RCN reserves the right to distribute informative e-mails to its subscribers on an ad hoc
basis that it feels is pertinent to the quality of its service. These announcements may include
information about revisions to this Agreement (including RCN’s Online Policies) and/or
modifications to the services provided under this Agreement or other information about RCN’s
services.
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II. Registration Information
1. You agree to provide RCN with accurate, complete registration information, to promptly
notify RCN of any changes in such information, and to verify such information as RCN may
request. If you do not provide RCN with accurate registration information, you are not
authorized to use the Access Service and your account may be terminated immediately.
2. YOU AGREE THAT BY USING THE ACCESS SERVICE YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU
ARE AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD AND THAT YOU ARE LEGALLY ABLE TO ENTER
INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
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III. Internet Access Service
1. RCN Internet Access Service will provide you with: (a) unlimited connectivity to the Internet
through RCN Internet Access Service; (b) free customer technical phone support; (c) fully
licensed Internet access software, and; (d) ISDN Internet access. "Unlimited connectivity" is
defined as "flat-rate (i.e. non-metered) access to the Internet via RCN."
2. The Internet is an international computer network. The Internet is not owned, operated, or
managed by, or in any way affiliated with RCN or any of RCN’s affiliates. RCN cannot and
does not guarantee that the Access Service will provide Internet access that is sufficient to
meet your needs. You agree that your use of the Access Service and the Internet is solely at
your own risk and is subject to all applicable local, state, national and international laws and
regulations.
3. You agree that RCN retains the right, but not the obligation, to restrict or terminate your
Access Service at any time, if RCN, in its sole discretion, determines that you are in violation
of this Agreement and/or RCN’s Online Policies. You agree that, if RCN determines that you
are in violation of this Agreement, any restriction or termination of your Access Service will be
effective immediately, without prior notice. You agree that RCN will have no liability to you for
any restriction or termination of your Access Service pursuant to such violation.
4. YOU AGREE THAT IF RCN TERMINATES YOUR ACCESS ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF
YOUR VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR RCN’S ONLINE POLICIES, YOU FORFEIT
ANY RIGHT TO A REFUND OF ANY PREPAID ACCOUNT CHARGES, SUCH FORFEITURE
BEING AGREED TO BY YOU AND RCN AS LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND NOT AS A
PENALTY. You further agree that RCN is under no obligation to forward any email for an
account canceled due to a violation. RCN reserves the right to refuse the application or
reapplication of anyone whose account has been canceled for a violation, or anyone whom
RCN suspects is acting on behalf of someone whose account has been canceled for a
violation. RCN reserves the right to cancel or suspend all other accounts belonging to you if
one of your accounts was involved in a violation.
5. RCN reserves the right to disconnect and/or temporarily suspend an account from RCN’s
service without warning if in RCN’s sole discretion there is a reasonable suspicion that such
disconnection or suspension would prevent or interrupt a violation of this Agreement or RCN’s
Online Policies.
6. Subject to the provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and any other applicable
laws and regulations, RCN reserves the right to remove or block access to, either
permanently or temporarily, any files which RCN suspects or which a third party alleges are
associated with a violation of the law, this Agreement or RCN’s Online Policies or with the
account responsible for such violation. This includes but is not limited to blocking access to
Usenet news articles.
7. RCN reserves the right to refuse "smarthosting" connectivity and other similar services and
procedures to any user who owns or operates an open mail relay.
8. RCN reserves the right to remove, either permanently or temporarily, any e-mail that has
been left on RCN servers for a period of 90 days or more.
9. If the connection to RCN’s Access Service has no activity from the user for a period of 20
minutes, then RCN may disconnect services and end the session.
10. You are responsible for verifying that the phone number your computer is dialing in order
to access the Internet through RCN is a local access number. Any telephone charges
associated with your access to the Internet through RCN are solely your responsibility. RCN
DOES NOT REIMBURSE OR PAY AND SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF
YOUR TELEPHONE CHARGES FOR ANY REASON.
11. You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any communications equipment
necessary to connect to RCN, including modems, computer hardware and software, and long distance
or local telephone service. You are responsible for ensuring that such equipment or service
is compatible with RCN’s requirements. In addition, you are responsible for maintaining the
security of your account, password, files, network and user access, and any information you
disseminate through RCN services or other Internet services, and for all use of your account
with or without your knowledge or consent, including, without limitation, any use of your
account by minors.
If you purchase your own cable modem, the cable modem must meet the DOCSIS
compatibility requirements established by CableLabs. RCN and RCN’s underlying providers from
time to time. RCN reserves the right to provide service only to the extent that you utilize
a cable modem compatible with the Access Service. Further, you acknowledge that the use of
the Access Service may periodically require updates and/or changes to the software resident
in the RCN cable modem or in the cable modem supplied by you, as the case may be. Such updates
or changes may be performed remotely or on-site by RCN and/or its underlying providers at
our sole option. You hereby consent to such updates which will be performed as deemed necessary
by RCN and/or its underlying providers with or without notice to you.
12. By using the Access Service you agree that neither RCN nor its affiliates shall be held
responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss, liability or damage of any nature
caused, or alleged to have been caused, by your use of, or reliance on, any content, goods,
or services available on or through the Access Service.
13. Theft of Service. You acknowledge that the right to the use of, and any
benefits that may be derived from, the Access Service is personal to you and is being provided
by RCN as partial consideration of your agreement to pay the charges applicable to your account.
You agree not to connect the Access Service or allow the Access Service to be connected by others
to any other computers, located either on or outside your premises, than are reflected on your
Access Service account with RCN. The Access Service may not be used to facilitate or operate as
an Internet Service Provider, “Wi-Fi” network or “hot-spot”, and you further agree not to distribute,
resell, share or otherwise allow others to utilize the Access Service, either free of charge or for
consideration. You acknowledge that any unauthorized receipt of the Access Service constitutes theft
of service, which is a violation of Federal law and can result in both civil and criminal penalties.
RCN will prosecute violations to the fullest extent of the law.
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IV. Content of Communications
1. The Access Service provides you access to information, communications, software,
photos, video, graphics, music, sounds, services and other material located both on RCN’s
computer servers and on the Internet ("Content"). As a matter of policy, RCN does not
pre-screen Content placed on RCN computer servers by any of its subscribers. Moreover,
RCN does not have the practical ability to monitor, review, or restrict access to Content on
RCN servers prior to its transmission or to monitor all communications between parties. The
Internet also provides access to individuals and organizations who are not RCN subscribers.
RCN does not have the capability to monitor, review, or restrict any Content made available
by third parties on the Internet, to edit or remove any Content that is not on RCN’s own
servers, nor to monitor all communications between parties. You agree that you shall be
responsible for and bear all risk associated with the accuracy, completeness, reliability or
usefulness of any Content available to you on or through the Access Service and for all your
communication on the Access Service.
2. You agree that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, RCN has the right, but not
the obligation, to remove Content from RCN computer servers which RCN, in its sole
discretion, determines to be in violation of this Agreement or RCN’s Online Policies.
3. You acknowledge that you may receive or be exposed to Content, goods or services which
you consider to be improper, inaccurate, misleading, defamatory, obscene or otherwise
offensive. You agree that RCN will not be liable for any action or inaction with respect to any
such Content posted on or through the Access Service and the Internet.
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V. Copyright and Other Rights
1. The Access Service provides access to Content that is protected by copyrights,
trademarks, and other intellectual property rights ("Rights") of various third parties.
2. You agree that your use of Content shall be governed by all applicable laws and
regulations, and by the specific restrictions placed on such Content by the owners or
licensors of the Rights in such Content.
3. You agree not to upload, download, display, perform, transmit or otherwise distribute on or
through the Access Service any material (including, without limitation, any Content to which
you have access through the Access Service) that is subject to another party’s Rights,
without that party’s express permission or unless otherwise authorized by law. You
acknowledge and agree that any such unauthorized conduct: (a) may result in termination of
this Agreement, and; (b) may expose you to civil or criminal liability. WITHOUT LIMITING THE
FOREGOING IN ANY WAY, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT THAT RCN SHALL
HAVE THE RIGHT, IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES, TO RESTRICT AND/OR
TERMINATE YOUR ACCESS SERVICE IF YOU REPEATEDLY ENGAGE IN COPYRIGHT
OR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT OR OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF THIRD
PARTIES.
4. You agree that by posting or transmitting or otherwise distributing material to any public
area (such as public chat rooms, message boards, newsgroups, webspace or software
libraries), you are requesting and authorizing RCN to make that material available to other
Internet users and that such access will result in copies of such material being transmitted to
others. To the extent that such material is subject to any Rights of yours or a third party, you
automatically (a) grant, and/or represent that owner of any such material has expressly
authorized you to grant, RCN a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, world-wide,
right and license to reproduce, publish, distribute, perform and display such material (in whole
or in part), or (b) represent that the publication, distribution, performance and display of such
material (in whole or in part) by RCN, is otherwise authorized by law.
5. With respect to any material stored on an RCN system at your direction , you
acknowledge and agree that in the event that RCN receives appropriate notice that such
material infringes the Rights of a third party, has actual knowledge of such infringement, or is
aware of facts or circumstances from which infringement is apparent, RCN shall have the right
immediately to remove or block access to such material. Under such circumstances,
however, you shall have the right to notify RCN that such material has been removed or
access denied as a result of a mistake or misidentification of the material. RCN’s policy with
respect to such notices is explained in more detail in RCN’s Online Policies. You also
acknowledge and agree that, under appropriate circumstances, RCN shall have the right to
remove or block your access to allegedly infringing Content provided by third parties.
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VI. Rights in RCN Access Service Software and Other Materials
1. Your use of the Access Service gives you limited rights to use the software through which
you access RCN Internet Access Service and the Internet (the "Access Service Software").
RCN grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable, limited license or sublicense to
use the Access Service Software solely for the purpose of connecting to the Access Service
in accordance with this Agreement. Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason,
your license or sublicense to use such Access Service Software shall automatically
terminate.
2. You acknowledge that RCN and its licensors have Rights in the Access Service, including,
without limitation, the Access Service Software and related documentation, certain Content
provided by RCN or its licensors, the "look and feel" of the Access Service, Access Service
names, subscriber interfaces, and other features.
3. You agree not to copy, modify, adapt, reproduce, translate, distribute, reverse engineer,
decompile, or disassemble any Content or any aspect of the Access Service that is owned
by or in which RCN or its licensors have Rights, including, without limitation, the Access
Service Software.
4. You agree that you will utilize such web space as may be allocated to you. RCN will
allocate up to 10 Mb (ten megabytes) of web space without additional charge. RCN may
charge you its prevailing rate for any additional web space that RCN provides to you. RCN
reserves the right to monitor your web space usage and enforce web space use restrictions,
which may include, but may not be limited to, the deletion of files and other materials that
utilize web space exceeding your web space allocation.
5. You also acknowledge that RCN reserves the right to suspend, terminate or
delete your email accounts or the content in it if there is no sign in/sign out activity
(that is, your account is "inactive") for an extended period of time as determined by
RCN at its sole discretion.
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VII. No Warranty
1. YOU AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE ACCESS SERVICE, THE ACCESS SERVICE
SOFTWARE, AND THE INTERNET IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU AGREE THAT
THE ACCESS SERVICE AND THE ACCESS SERVICE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ON AN
"AS IS," "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, UNLESS SUCH WARRANTIES ARE LEGALLY INCAPABLE OF
EXCLUSION.
2. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH DISCLAIMERS ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED
BY LAW, RCN DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LOSS, DAMAGE OR LIABILITY ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE ACCESS SERVICE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR LIABILITY RELATING TO: (A) LOSS OR
CORRUPTION OF DATA; (B) LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE;
(C) ACCESS DELAYS OR ACCESS INTERRUPTIONS; (D) COMPUTER VIRUSES; (E)
NON-DELIVERY OR MIS-DELIVERY OF DATA; (F) THE NEGLIGENT ACTS AND/OR
OMISSIONS OF RCN OR RCN SUBSCRIBERS; (G) ANY DEFECTS, FAILURES, ERRORS,
OMISSIONS, OR MISSTATEMENTS IN ANY AND ALL INFORMATION, GOODS, OR
SERVICES OBTAINED ON OR THROUGH THE ACCESS SERVICE, (H) ANY FAILURE OF
ACCESS SERVICE SOFTWARE TO BE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANT; AND; (I) LOSS OR
LIABILITY RESULTING FROM ACTS BEYOND RCN’S CONTROL.
3. You agree that RCN’s entire liability, and your exclusive remedy, with respect to your use
of the Access Service, your use of the Access Service Software, and any breach of this
Agreement is solely limited to the amount you paid to use the Access Service. Because
some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, in such states, RCN’s liability is limited to the extent permitted by law.
4. You may not rely on oral or written information or advice given by RCN’s officers, directors,
employees, agents, authorized representatives, subcontractors or affiliates and/or their
officers, directors, employees, agents, authorized representatives, or subcontractors or
affiliates to create a warranty or increase the scope of warranty already established in these
terms and conditions. Your rights and RCN’s responsibilities are limited to the warranties that
are expressed in these written terms and conditions that have been established by RCN to
govern the use of the Access Service.
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VIII. Indemnification
1. You agree to defend, release, indemnify, and hold RCN, its affiliated companies and
licensors, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, authorized
representatives, and subcontractors harmless from all liabilities, claims and expenses,
including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees, arising from breach of the Agreement
by use of, or in connection with the posting or transmission of any Content or other material
by or through your account on the Access Service.
2. You agree that RCN has the right, but not the obligation, at its own expense, to assume
the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you
pursuant to Paragraph 1 of this section. In such event, you shall have no further obligations
pursuant to Paragraph 1 of this section.
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IX. Termination
1. You agree that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
you or RCN may terminate this Agreement for any reason at any time. To disconnect and discontinue
billing you must call RCN at the RCN Customer Service number listed in Section I 2 above.
2. You agree that your only right with respect to any dissatisfaction with (a) any agreement
term, policy, or practice of RCN in operating the Access Service, (b) any Content available on
or through the Access Service or change therein, or (c) amount or type of fees or billing
methods, or change therein, is to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Paragraph 1 of this
section.
3. You agree that RCN has the right, but not the obligation, to delete all program, data, or
other files on RCN computer servers that are associated with your account at the time of
termination.
4. Only the person whose name is on the account shall have the right to change the user
id(s) and/or password(s) for the account, and/or cancel an existing account. Some
restrictions may apply to your selection of user id.
5. The following fees and charges are non-refundable: Web and Publishing/Development
Fees, Domain registration fees, Static IP charges, Sub Class C charges and Class C
charges, and any shipping and handling charges.
6. If a prepaid dial-up account is terminated for any reason prior to the expiration
of the prepaid term, RCN will not have any obligation to refund prepaid amounts. Notwithstanding,
RCN will refund amounts for the unexpired term to extent such amounts exceed $50.00, which RCN
shall retain as a termination fee.
7. You understand and agree that RCN has the right to suspend your dial-up service if
you are delinquent in payment of any other RCN service. If you are a pre-paid dial-up
service subscriber, RCN reserves the right to apply any pre-payments on your dial-up
account to other delinquent services on your RCN account.
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X. Miscellaneous
1. You agree that this Agreement and RCN’s Online Policies (which are incorporated by
reference) comprise the entire understanding between RCN and you, and supersede any prior
agreements or correspondence between you and RCN and/or any postings or other notices
from RCN with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
2. You agree that, if any portion of this Agreement (including RCN’s Online Policies) is held
invalid or unenforceable, that portion will be construed consistent with applicable law as
nearly as possible to reflect the original intentions of the parties, and the remaining portions
will remain in full force and effect.
3. The Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, excluding its
conflicts of law rules. You and RCN each submit to the exclusive subject matter jurisdiction,
personal jurisdiction, and venue of the courts of the State of New Jersey and the federal
courts located in the State of New Jersey.
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XI. Acceptance By User
1. I accept the terms of this Internet Access Agreement and agree to be
bound by its terms.
RCN'S Online Policies
RCN’s dedication to customer service means that RCN strives to maintain an Internet Access
Service ("Access Service") that provides RCN customers with an enjoyable Internet
experience, and an experience that is free from interference by persons who use the Access
Service in an improper or unlawful manner. RCN’s Online Policies address frequently asked
questions regarding proper online conduct. These policies include information on: RCN
Account Charges; the content of the material that you may find on or through the Access
Service; goods and services available online through the Access Service; and procedures for
reporting complaints regarding a person’s online conduct.
RCN’s Online Policies, including the following list of Prohibited/Abusive Activities, are part of
your subscriber agreement. Please note that if you engage in any such activities, RCN may
suspend or terminate your account.
As explained in your subscriber agreement, your use of RCN Internet Access Service must
be governed by all applicable laws and regulations, including all applicable local, state,
national, and international laws and regulations. In addition to other applicable laws, this
includes all laws relating to copyright, trademark, trade secrets, obscenity, defamation, rights
of privacy and publicity, false advertising, and fraud.
In addition to such laws and regulations, when using the Access Service you must use your
best efforts to avoid interfering with any other person’s use and enjoyment of the Access
Service. You must also ensure that your use of the Access Service is governed by generally
accepted rules of proper Internet conduct.
Please use your best judgment, be respectful of other subscribers, and take the time to
review the activities listed below. These activities are not proper Internet conduct and are
prohibited activities on the Access Service. Following these rules will ensure that everyone
has an enjoyable Access Service experience.
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1. Prohibities / Abusive Activities
For purposes of the Prohibited/Abusive Activities, the term "content" means information or
material of any type capable of being posted or transmitted on or through the Access Service,
including material in print, graphic, pictorial audio, or audio-visual form.
When using the Access Service:
(a) Defamation. You agree not to post or transmit any content in violation of any
applicable law of libel or defamation in the United States or elsewhere.
(b) Fraud. You agree not to post or transmit any fraudulent content on or
through the Access Service. This includes any content that you know or have
reason to know is false, and that you intend for others to rely on.
(c) False Advertising. You agree not to post or transmit on or through the
Access Service any advertising or promotional materials that contain false,
deceptive, or misleading statements, claims, or representations.
(d) Unsolicited Advertising. You agree not to post or transmit any unsolicited
advertising, promotional materials, or other forms of solicitation to other
subscribers, individuals, or entities, except in those areas (e.g., classified
advertisement areas) that are designated for such a purpose. You further agree
not to involve or associate RCN in any way with the posting or transmission of
unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, or other forms of solicitation,
including but not limited to unsolicited advertisements sent from another service
provider advertising an RCN-hosted web page, and unsolicited advertisements
sent from another service provider which request that replies be sent to an RCN
email address.
(e) Copyright Violations. You agree not to post or transmit on or through the
Access Service any content that infringes another person’s or entity’s copyright
in all or any part of the content.
(f) Trademark, Service Mark, and Trade Dress Violations. You agree not to post
or transmit on or through the Access Service any content that infringes, dilutes
or otherwise violates another person’s rights in its trademarks, service marks,
trade dress, or other indicia of origin.
(g) Trade Secret Violations. You agree not to post or transmit on or through the
Access Service any content that reveals trade secrets or other confidential or
proprietary information belonging to another person or other entity.
(h) Obscenity. You agree not to post or transmit any obscene or pornographic
content, including, but not limited to, child pornography, on or through the
Access Service.
(i) Harassment, Threats, and Abuse. You agree not to use the Access Service
to harass, intimidate, threaten, or abuse any person or entity, by any means,
including the use of vulgar, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, sexually
harassing, or otherwise objectionable content.
(j) False Pretenses. You agree to not use the Access Service to impersonate
any person, including but not limited to, an RCN official or an information
provider, guide, or host, or communicate under a false name or a name that you
are not entitled or authorized to use in all forms of online communication,
including, but not limited to, screen names, subscriber profiles, chat dialogue,
and message posting.
(k) Chain Letters. You agree to not post or transmit chain letters, or letters or
messages that offer a product or service based on the structure of a chain
letter, on or through the Access Service.
(l) Inappropriate Content. You agree not to post or transmit on or through the
Access Service content that is patently inappropriate material under the
circumstances -- e.g., content or topics not related to the topics focused on by
the participants in a particular news group or mailing list.
(m) Scrolling. You agree not to cause the screen to "scroll" faster than other
subscribers or users are able to type to it, or any action to a similar disruptive
effect on or through the Access Service.
(n) Disruptive Activities. You agree not to use the Access Service to disrupt the
normal flow of online dialogue, or otherwise act in a manner that negatively
affects use of the Internet by other subscribers, users, individuals, or entities.
(o) Violations of Service Providers’ Rules. You agree to not use the Access
Service to violate any operating rule, policy, or guideline of any other online
service provider or interactive service.
(p) Multiple Access. You agree that this Agreement is not transferable. You
agree not to simultaneously access the Access Service for more than one
session at any time.
(q) Abuse of RCN Procedures. You agree not to make false or unverified
complaints against any RCN subscriber, or otherwise abuse any of RCN
Complaint Response Procedures.
(r) Systems Abuse. You agree not to abuse RCN’s system, or any other
system accessible through the Internet via RCN, by causing any harm to the
system so that it inhibits or negatively impacts the ability of other users to
effectively use such system. You further agree not to compromise or attempt to
violate security at RCN or elsewhere, including but not limited to, attempted
access of any data, server, or account that you are not expressly authorized to
access.
(s) SPAM. You agree not to post or cross post, regardless of content, copies of
the same message to 20 or more newsgroups.
(t) Support Abuse. You agree not to harass, threaten or abuse authorized
representatives of RCN, including but not limited to tech support
representatives, customer relations representatives, and sales representatives,
or otherwise abuse RCN’s support services.
(u) Inappropriate software, products, and services. You agree not to post,
transmit, promote, or otherwise make available any software, product or service
that is illegal, violates the rights of RCN or a third party, or is designed to violate
this Agreement. Such software, products or services include, but are not limited
to, programs designed to send unsolicited advertisements (i.e. "spamware"),
services which send unsolicited advertisements, programs designed to initiate
"denial of service" attacks, mail bomb programs, and programs designed to
gain unauthorized access to networks on the Internet.
(v) Reselling. You agree not to resell RCN services or products without an
express written agreement with RCN to do so.
(w) Web Space usage. You will utilize up to 10Mb (ten megabytes) of web
space which RCN provides that is created automatically when you connect to
the FTP server ftp.rcn.com without additional charge. RCN may, in its sole
discretion, provide you with a greater allocation of web space at at RCN's
then-prevailing rate. RCN reserves the right to monitor web space usage and
enforce web space use restrictions, which may include, but not limited to, the
deletion of files and other materials that utilize web space exceeding a
Subscriber's disk space allocation.
(x) Theft of Service. You acknowledge that the right to the use of, and
any benefits that may be derived from, the Access Service is personal to you and is
being provided by RCN as partial consideration of your agreement to pay the charges
applicable to your account. You agree not to connect the Access Service or allow the
Access Service to be connected by others to any other computers, located either on
or outside your premises, than are reflected on your Access Service account with RCN.
The Access Service may not be used to facilitate or operate as an Internet Service
Provider, “Wi-Fi” network or “hot-spot”, and you further agree not to distribute, resell,
share or otherwise allow others to utilize the Access Service, either free of charge or
for consideration. You acknowledge that any unauthorized receipt of the Access Service
constitutes theft of service, which is a violation of Federal law and can result in both
civil and criminal penalties. RCN will prosecute violations to the fullest extent of the
law.
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2. Content of Online Material
RCN Internet Access Service provides access to information, communications, software,
photos, video, graphics, music, sounds, services and other material located both on RCN
computer servers and on the Internet ("Content"). You should be aware that the Internet
contains Content, goods and services that you may find improper, inaccurate, misleading,
defamatory, obscene or otherwise offensive. Such Content may not be appropriate for you or
for any minors who may be accessing the Internet through your account.
As a matter of policy, RCN does not pre-screen Content placed on RCN computer servers by
any of its subscribers. Moreover, RCN does not have the practical ability to monitor, review, or
restrict access to Content on RCN servers prior to its transmission or to monitor all
communications between parties. Thus, there may be Content on RCN servers which may
violate RCN rules, and you may receive offensive and unsolicited Content that RCN cannot
control.
RCN retains the right to remove Content from RCN servers that violates its subscriber
agreement (including these On-Line Policies). In particular, RCN reserves the right to remove
or block access to material if it receives appropriate notice that such material infringes the
proprietary rights of a third party, has actual knowledge of such infringement, or is aware of
facts or circumstances from which infringement is apparent. However, the Access Service
provides access to users who are not a part of RCN Access Service and RCN does not have
the capability to monitor, review, remove or restrict access to any Content made available by
third parties on the Internet.
Accordingly, RCN cannot be responsible for any conduct, Content, goods, and services
available on or through the Access Service. RCN suggests that concerned parents consider
using one of the commercially available software programs capable of restricting access to
sexually explicit material on the Internet. However, no parental control software is perfect.
Your use of such software is solely at your own risk. RCN makes no warranties or
representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any parental control
software or service.
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3. Privacy of Communications
RCN intends to respect its subscribers’ privacy and will not randomly monitor or disclose the
contents of private e-mail or private chat room communications. However, you agree that RCN
has the right, but not the obligation, to monitor or disclose the contents of private
communication, if RCN, in its sole discretion, reasonably believes that such action is
necessary: (a) to comply with applicable law or valid legal process; (b) to protect RCN rights
or property; or (c) in emergencies when a person’s physical safety is at issue.
In addition, RCN reserves the right under appropriate circumstances to disclose the identity of
a subscriber to third parties in response to a valid legal subpoena and to otherwise cooperate
with legitimate police inquiries and lawful civil proceedings.
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4. Online Goods and Services
RCN does not control or take responsibility for any Content, goods, or services which
independent third parties may available on or through the Access Service. Subscribers may
receive blind opportunity advertisements, pyramid schemes, and other "get rich quick"
schemes on or through the Access Service. These should be avoided or approached with
ample skepticism. Please remember that RCN does not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the
accuracy, completeness, usefulness, quality, or availability of any such Content, goods, or
services, and your use thereof is solely at your own risk.
You should use your best judgment and exercise caution when purchasing a product or
service through the Access Service. RCN will not be a party to, or in any way be responsible
for, monitoring any purchases or other transactions between you and any other persons
providing Content, goods, or services on or through the Access Service. RCN assumes no
responsibility for any such transactions and will not mediate disputes relating to such
transactions. RCN disclaims any responsibility for any such transactions even where the
Access Service features or displays a link with a particular World Wide Web site.
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5. Account Charges
Your monthly account charges are payable in advance. If you terminate your account, you will
receive a prorated refund for any access time credited to your account, less applicable
termination fee. However, if your account is terminated by RCN because of violations of
RCN’s subscriber agreement (including these Online Policies), you will not be entitled to a
prorated refund, such forfeiture being agreed to you and RCN as liquidated damages and not
as a penalty and you may be subject to a termination fee.
You are responsible for all activities and charges associated with your account. If any
unauthorized charges are made on or through your account, you are responsible for such
charges until you notify RCN of a breach of security by calling RCN at 1-800-746-4726 and
change your password. Please be advised that the contact person or listed owner of the RCN
Internet Account is solely responsible for activities conducted through, on or with their RCN
Internet Account, including activities by other persons (including minors) whether or not
authorized by such contact person or listed owner. If you, or someone to whom you have
given access to your account, violates the RCN Internet Access Agreement, your account
may be terminated.
If you pay by credit card, you expressly authorize RCN to charge the credit card account
number associated with your Account for any Access Service charges that accrue from
month to month, biannually, annually, or any other subscription term. You reauthorize RCN to
charge your designated credit card account each time you use the Access Service. This
authorization will remain valid until you terminate your authorization in writing. RCN may
immediately terminate your account, in RCN’s sole discretion, for declined credit cards,
returned checks, or any other non-payment of account charges.
A billing cycle will begin on the date you purchase the Access Service and will continue for
one month from that date. A new billing cycle will begin on the anniversary date of the day of
the month on which you purchased the Access Service.
If you pay other than by credit card, your account charges are due on your receipt of an
invoice, and payment of your account charges must be received by RCN prior to the first day
of each billing cycle. Only accounts with monthly invoices of more than $50.00 can be
invoiced. Your account will be considered to be in default if payment of your account charges
is not received within fifteen (15) days after the date of your invoice. If your accounts is still
unpaid thirty (30) days after the date of your invoice, you may have your Access Service
interrupted or terminated.
If any instrument received in payment is returned to RCN unpaid, your account will be
considered to be in default, and in addition to the amount due, you will be subject to a
returned check charge of $25.00. If your account is canceled or interrupted for non-payment,
you must continue to pay your monthly account charges. Only your written request to
terminate your account will relieve you of your obligation to pay your monthly account
charges.
If your account is in default, you are subject to an interest charge of 1.5 percent per month, or
the maximum allowable rate under state law. If you default on your account, you agree to pay
RCN its reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees and collection agency fees, incurred
in enforcing RCN rights under RCN Internet Access Agreement.
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6. RCN's Complaint Response Procedures
RCN’s dedication to customer service means that RCN takes seriously and attempts to
respond to all complaints about its subscribers’ use of the Internet. This means complaints
by both RCN subscribers and complaints by other Internet users. RCN believes that its
customers should be able to enjoy full use of the Internet without interference by persons who
use the Internet in an improper or unlawful manner.
RCN will follow the Complaint Response Procedures described below to respond to
complaints from subscribers and others about RCN subscribers.
RCN will respond to any complaint that involves online activities that are Prohibited/Abusive
Activities. In particular, RCN will respond to complaints that material stored on its system at
the direction of one of its subscribers or for system caching purposes or to which RCN
provides a link or other reference infringes another person’s copyright as provided for in the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (a "Copyright Complaint") or otherwise violates the criminal
or civil laws of the United States, the several states or a foreign country.
Please note that RCN has designated an agent for receiving and processing such Copyright
Complaints. The contact details regarding such agent are as follows:
Abuse Department
RCN Corporation
196 Van Buren St, Suite 300
Herndon, Virginia 20170
E-mail address: copyright@rcn.net
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How to Submit a Complaint:
1. Form of Complaint.
Complaints may be submitted by e-mail (abuse@rcn.com), fax, or mail.
2. What Information Should be Submitted.
(i) The IP address used to commit the infraction.
(ii) The date on which the infraction was committed.
(iii) The time at which the infraction was committed (if applicable).
(iv) The time zone relevant to (b) and (c) above (if applicable).
(v) Some evidence of the infraction.
E-mail with full header information provides all of the above criteria. Syslog files usually
provide all but (iv). Other situations will require different methods of providing the above.
If a complaining party wishes to make a Copyright Complaint, it
should submit the following information:
(i) Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed (or if multiple
works are claimed to be infringed at a single site, a representative list of such
works).
(ii) Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or in the case of
a reference or link, identification of the reference or link to the allegedly
infringing material. Please provide information sufficient to locate such material
or reference or link on RCN’s system
(iii) The address, telephone number, and/or email address of the complaining
party or its client.
(iv) A statement that the complaining party or its client has a good faith belief
that use of the allegedly infringing material is not authorized by the copyright
owner, the owner’s agent or the law.
(v) A statement that the information being given is accurate.
(vi) If the complaining party is not the copyright owner, a statement, under
penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of
the copyright owner.
(vii) A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of
the owner of an allegedly infringed exclusive right.
(viii) If the material is stored on RCN’s system for caching purposes, a
statement confirming that the material has been removed or access-disabled
from the originating site or that a court has ordered such removal or disabling.
If RCN receives a Copyright Complaint containing the information specified above, it shall
promptly remove or block access to such materials.
C. Subscriber Counter Notice
However, if the complaint arises out of a claim that the infringing material was
stored on RCN’s system at the direction of one of its subscribers, RCN shall
attempt to notify the relevant RCN subscriber of the action taken. If the
subscriber believes in good faith that the material was removed or access
blocked as a result of a mistake or misidentification, that subscriber may send
a counter notice to RCN’s agent. Such counter notice should include the
following:
(i) Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has
been blocked and the location on the RCN system where the material
appeared.
(ii) A statement under penalty of perjury that the subscriber has a good faith
belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or
misidentification.
(iii) The subscriber’s name, address and telephone number
(iv) A statement that the subscriber consent to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
District Court for the federal district in which the subscriber resides and that the
subscriber will accept service of process from the complaining party or its
agent.
(v) The subscriber’s physical or electronic signature.
Upon receipt of such an appropriate counter notice, RCN shall promptly replace the removed
material and/or cease disabling access to it unless RCN first receives appropriate notice from
the complaining party that it has filed a law suit seeking a court order to restrain the
subscriber from engaging in the allegedly infringing activity.
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Liability for Misrepresentations.
Please note that any person who knowingly misrepresents to RCN that material is infringing
shall be liable to RCN and/or the alleged infringer for any damages (including costs and
attorneys’ fees) suffered or incurred by RCN and/or the alleged infringer as a result of RCN’s
relying on such misrepresentation and removing or disabling access to such material.
Similarly, any person who knowingly misrepresents to RCN that the material was removed or
access blocked by mistake or misidentification shall be liable to RCN and/or the copyright
owner or its authorized licensee for any damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees)
suffered or incurred by RCN and/or the copyright owner or its authorized licensee as a result
of RCN’s relying on such misrepresentation and replacing such removed or blocked material.
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