3 Strikes About Our Competition:

Are you aware of how the "top" Internet providers treat their customers? United Online, AOL, Earthlink and other Internet providers choose to have the following customer service policies:

1. Collect and track customers information and online usage.
   They can collect YOUR data using their proprietary software that they ask you to install when you first sign up. They say they "may" make this available to advertisers who will email you offers. It means less privacy and more spam for YOU!
2. "Unlimited" access they can cut off at any time.
   If a company advertises "Unlimited" Internet to get your business, why the deceptive fine print?
3. Outsourcing services and American jobs overseas!
   The largest American companies with the largest base of American customers turn their back on the American worker!

Here Are The Facts!

United Online: (NetZero, Juno, BlueLight)

Parent company United Online is one of the most well known $9.95 ISP's. If you read their terms of service agreement, you'll find the following customer policies for their online services:

1. NetZero will collect, store, compile and utilize information about you, your computer, your phone number and your use of the NetZero Services including, without limitation, information regarding the Web sites you visit and information that you provide in response to NetZero questionnaires, surveys and registration forms. NetZero may provide this information to third parties including advertisers, clients, marketing organizations and others.
   http://www.netzero.net/legal/terms.html
2. You agree that Juno may establish general practices and limits concerning use of the Services.
   http://www.juno.com/legal/terms.html
3. United Online is listed on Lou Dobbs' list of companies that are guilty of "Exporting America".
   http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html

America Online: (AOL, Netscape, Walmart Connect)

Considered the largest, most expensive ISP. Instead of lowering their access fee for their "loyal" customers, they partnered with Wal*Mart and then quietly rolled out Netscape Internet service at $9.95 mo.

1. Your AOL Network information consists of personally identifiable information collected or received about you when you interact with the AOL Network's Web sites, services and offerings as a registered user... Your AOL Network information may also include certain technical information gathered or received when you use the AOL Network... Your AOL Network information may be shared with the Network's affiliated providers.
   http://help.aol.com/help/legal.do?kcp=privacy
2. Netscape Internet Service is not offered or designed to provide an “always on” or “always connected” capability. Netscape's operating practices may include timed sign offs for users who are inactive for an extended period of time and timed sign offs for excessive, “always connected” consumption of the Netscape network.
   http://admin.isp.netscape.com/tos.php#privacy
3. AOL is listed on Lou Dobbs' list of companies that are guilty of "Exporting America".
   http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html

Earthlink: (PeoplePC, just purchased Joi Internet, Access4Free and Access4Less)

Another more expensive "name brand" ISP. Earthlink purchased PeoplePC in 2002. This allowed them to offer a $9.95 monthly service without having to lower their price for their "loyal" Earthlink customers.

1. EarthLink collects information from Visitors and Members who use the various parts of our Services.
   http://www.earthlink.net/about/policies/privacy/
2. PeoplePC may limit the length of sessions to a reasonable period, as determined by PeoplePC, after which sessions may automatically be terminated.
   http://www.peoplepc.com/online/legals.asp?locid=1&pageid=4#useofservice
3. Earthlink is listed on Lou Dobbs' list of companies that are guilty of "Exporting America".
   http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html

I hope you have found this information useful. Once you read the Terms of Service agreements of these and other Internet service providers, you will find out if they are really being truthful in their advertisements and marketing campaigns. As for the companies mentioned above, I have provided the links for you to draw your own conclusion. There are more than just these three points that may be a concern to those who do business with them.

At Copper.net, we choose to avoid the deceptive practices of many ISP's. Your information is safe and there is always a friendly voice available should you need assitance. Thank you for choosing Copper.net. We appreciate your loyalty and support, and appreciate any referrals that you send our way. If you aren't already a part of our referral program, we will pay you for sending us customers. Check out how to get paid for sending us customers at Referral Center.

Sincerely,

Marc C. Hawk
President
Copper.net
Exec@Copper.net