Broadband >> Acceptable Use Policy

Broadband Acceptable Use Policy

For the Internet to operate in a manner that satisfies the majority of its users, all customers need to observe some rules and behaviours governing their use of it. These requirements are usually contained or referred to in the relevant terms and conditions governing the particular Internet service as well as the law.

To enable its customers to have a better understanding of what is and is not acceptable when using the Internet, and to help you get the best out of the Internet, CBS LTD has developed a number of Acceptable Usage Policies. These policies should help you benefit from safer surfing and minimise the risk of suffering "online abuse".

We have also included some general advice on how to protect you and your computer to each of these policies which we encourage you to follow.

Illegal and inappropriate activities

As an Internet user, whilst connected to the Internet via CBS LTD you must comply with the relevant laws that apply in the UK. You should also be mindful of the fact that the Internet is a global medium and is regulated by the laws of many different countries. Material which is legal in this country may be illegal in another and vice versa.

These are some of the things that you must not do whilst connected to the Internet:

You must not, by using the service, download, possess or transmit in any way, illegal material (for example indecent images of children).

You must not send, publish, distribute, circulate or otherwise propagate any material that may be deemed to be grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene nature or menacing in character.
You must not send, with the intention of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety a message that you know to be false, or to cause such a message to be sent or to persistently make use of our service for that purpose.

You must not gain or attempt to gain unauthorised access to any computer systems for any purpose, including accessing the Internet.

You must not, without authorisation intentionally impair or attempt to impair the operation of any computer, prevent or hinder access to any program or data held in any computer or to impair the operation of any such program or the reliability of any such data (this could include deleting files, changing the desktop settings introducing viruses etc.).

You must not infringe the rights of others, including the right of privacy and copyright (an example would be sharing without permission of the copyright owner protected material such as a music or video file).

Many of these activities could result in legal action, a fine or a term of imprisonment or both.
If you are in any doubt as to the legality of anything, take independent legal advice before proceeding.

CBS LTD’s obligations

CBS LTD is obliged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act to disclose information to Law Enforcement Agencies and Public Authorities that are legally entitled to obtain such information. Similarly CBS LTD must comply with court orders to disclose information. In serious instances of abuse we may also notify the police or relevant law enforcement agency.

CBS LTD cannot and does not monitor content of its’ customers webspace or content of email, newsgroup or indeed of any communications, and therefore CBS LTD cannot and does not guarantee that all of these are free of illegal material or other content considered unacceptable by others including the Internet community.

Changes to the Acceptable Use Policies

We may change the Acceptable Usage Policies’ from time to time and will inform you on this website when we do so. To make the most of the guidance contained in the AUPs, please keep up to date with changes and look at them on a regular basis. Please note that our AUP's were last updated in March 2010

Breaches of Acceptable Use Policies

Reports of breaches of these acceptable use policies by CBS LTD customers can be sent to support@cbsys.net

CBS LTD may operate systems to ensure compliance with these acceptable use policies, including without limitation network scanning and testing of open servers and mail relays.

Fair use policy

CBS LTD Business Broadband's Fair Use Policy is designed to make sure that your broadband service is great value, fast and reliable whenever you use it.

Why have a Fair Use Policy?

At peak times, a lot of customers use the shared network bandwidth at any one time.
A very small number of our customers use their broadband service inappropriately, for example when sending or downloading very large files, or using 'peer to peer' and file sharing software (which may be sending and receiving video and other large files constantly). This means that service quality for all users is affected, making it slower for everyone to access the internet or send and receive emails, especially at peak times. Peak times may fluctuate between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
The vast majority of our customers use their service considerately and their usage levels during peak hours don't disproportionately affect the shared network capacity. Even though only a very small number of our customers use the service inappropriately, their activity does greatly affect the service. Our Fair Use Policy manages inappropriate use and makes sure the service can be used fairly by everyone.

How does the Fair Use Policy work?

If you regularly use the service inappropriately during peak hours, and we believe this is unfairly affecting other customers' use of the service, we'll manage your bandwidth during peak times (which could result in reduced service speeds).
If you continue to use your service inappropriately we reserve the right to end your agreement with us and will give you notice before doing so.

How do I know if the Fair Use Policy affects me?

Our Fair Use Policy applies to all our customers but it'll only actually affect you if you're one of the very few customers who make inappropriate use of our service.
If you don't use peer to peer, file sharing or other inappropriate software and you're not, for example, constantly downloading or uploading: videos or very large files, you're unlikely to be affected by our Fair Use Policy.

What else do I need to bear in mind?

All CBS LTD Business Broadband users must comply with relevant copyright and intellectual property laws.
Please note that some activities, such as using peer to peer or file sharing software, may contravene these laws. Under our terms and conditions, any illegal use of your service will be a breach of your contract and will allow us to end your service.