Open Internet Statement
Policies Preserving the Open Internet
Farmer’s Telephone Cooperative, Inc., together with its affiliates (collective, “FTC”), is committed to providing broadband Internet access services in a manner that fosters an open and robust public Internet and complies with the Open Internet Rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC). Subject to reasonable network management practices, in providing fixed broadband Internet access service (“Fixed Service”), FTC will not: (1) block lawful content, applications, or services; (2) block or restrict end users from connecting and using any lawful device of their choosing (provided such device does not harm the network, and conforms to widely accepted and publicly-available standards applicable to the service); or, (3) unreasonably discriminate in transmitting lawful network traffic. In providing mobile broadband Internet access service (“Mobile Service”), FTC will not: (1) block access to lawful websites; or (2) block applications that compete with FTC’s own voice and/or video telephony services.
Network Management
Like other Internet service providers, FTC manages its network to protect the security, integrity, and reliability of the network, such as to address spam, viruses, and malicious content. To do so, FTC uses generally accepted industry standard tools. FTC does not modify the protocols of these industry standard tools. We also comply with applicable law, including laws for the protection of children online and the protection of intellectual property.
Although our networks provide substantial capacity, they are not unlimited, and at times of high use, our networks may experience congestion. FTC does not actively manage congestion on its fixed broadband networks at this time, but congestion management may be inherent in the industry standard protocols used to operate these networks.
During periods of network congestion on FTC’s mobile broadband Internet network, the network may temporarily limit speeds or the amount of data that users can transfer based on industry standard protocols, such as proportional fairness schedulers, inherent in the air interface between the customer device and the network. Such management is "protocol-agnostic," which means that the network does not manage congestion based on the applications that customers are using. This management is designed to ensure that no one user is denied access to network resources even during periods of congestion.
Network Performance
FTC provides Fixed Service over a combination of fiber-optic cable and copper facilities using digital subscriber line (DSL) and PON technologies. FTC also provides mobile Internet access service using WiFi Hotspots via the IEEE 802.11 standard over unlicensed spectrum.
FTC provides Mobile Service over its state-of-the-art wireless radio network in its licensed service area using 3G technology.
Information about the typical speed ranges and latency (i.e., the time for a signal to get there and back) that customers can expect when using our broadband network is available at http://www.ftc-i.net/internet/internet/high-speed/.
Pricing and Terms and Condition of Service
Information about pricing and the terms and conditions of service is available at http://www.ftc-i.net/media/pdf/TermsConditionsInternet.pdf. Our Acceptable Use Policy is available at http://www.ftc-i.net/media/pdf/TermsConditionsInternet.pdf. Our privacy policy is available at http://www.ftc-i.net/media/pdf/TermsConditionsInternet.pdf.
If you have questions or concerns about our open Internet policies or how we manage our network, please contact us at 1-888-218-5050.
Updated 11/16/11
