Overview
By order of the Federal Communications Commission as published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2011, all broadband Internet providers in the United States must comply with the following rule effective November 20, 2011:
"A person engaged in the provision of broadband Internet access service shall publically 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 regarding use of such services and for content, application, service, and device providers to develop, market, and maintain Internet offerings."
Additional information about the disclosure requirements is in the Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 185/ Friday, September 23, 2011/ Rules and Regulations Pages 59192 through 59235. This document is not available from the Smithville Telephone Company, but can be found through Internet search.
The following information is the required disclosure by Smithville Telephone Company, Incorporated.
Network Management Practices
Congestion Management
At this time, the Smithville Telephone Company does not employ congestion management techniques. Congestion management may be implemented in the future.
Application-Specific Behavior
At this time, the Smithville Telephone Company does not control Internet traffic based on applications or protocols.
Device Attachment Rules
The Smithville Telephone Company provides the equipment, primarily DSL modems, that are necessary to provide broadband Internet service. All customer equipment is expected to operate in a harmless manner and in compliance with normal Internet requirements.
Security
Customers are required to operate and maintain their broadband Internet equipment in a way to minimize the possibility of harm to other users. If harmful traffic is detected, the Smithville Telephone Company may restrict access until the problem is eliminated. Failure to correct a harmful situation may lead to service being discontinued.
Performance Characteristics
Service Description
Four different levels of broadband Internet access are available within the Smithville Telephone Company's service area. DSL or FTTH technology is used to provide these services over copper wireline facilities, and each service offering has a maximum download and upload data rate. There is no usage limit at this time for any of these service offerings. The actual rates and latency experienced at a customer location vary based on the customer's equipment, the length of the copper wireline facilities between the Smithville Telephone Company's central office and the customer's location, the remote server or service accessed by the customer, and general congestion on the Internet. The Smithville Telephone Company cannot cost effectively guarantee any certain level of performance.
DSL Max has a maximum download rate of 6 Mbps and a maximum upload rate of 1 Mbps.
DSL High Speed Max has a maximum download rate of 1 Mbps and a maximum upload rate of 0.512 Mbps.
DSL Lite Max has a maximum download rate of 0.256 Mbps and a maximum upload rate of 0.128 Mbps.
DSL Only Max has a maximum download rate of 6 Mbps and a maximum upload rate of 1 Mbps and is provided without telephone service.
Impact of Specialized Services
At this time, the Smithville Telephone Company does not provide specialized services that could affect the capacity and performance of its broadband Internet services.
Commercial Terms
Pricing
DSL Max is $54.00 per month.
DSL High Speed is $43.00 per month.
DSL Lite is $33.00 per month.
DSL Only is $64.00 per month.
Privacy Policies
The Smithville Telephone Company inspects and records some traffic on its broadband network from time to time to assess network performance and to resolve problems. This information is only used internally by the company and is not retained longer than necessary.
Redress Options
Questions and complaints may be addressed to the Smithville Telephone Company at 662-651-4131, by fax at 662-651-4711, by email at custserv@traceroad.net, or by visiting the company offices at 63470 Highway 25 North in Smithville, MS. The company's mailing address is P.O. Box 117, Smithville, MS 38870.