Re: Eat this RIAA (or, the war has begun?) - Why not all ISPs?

[Larry Rosenman <ler () lerctr org>]

On Thu, 2002-08-22 at 13:31, Rob Healey wrote:
> > The RIAA, itself, doesn't use the net for
> > revenew, or, really, much of anything.  What few uses they do have
> > could easily be served through disposable dialup accounts.  It
> > is the RIAA member companies, such as Sony (one of the biggest
> > offenders), Arista, Geffen, etc. which are getting their revenue
> > through the net.  Unfortunately, no provider can defend turning
> > off Sony as a rational business decision.  Your customers wouldn't
> > tolerate it or stand behind you on it.  (If anyone wants to prove
> > me wrong, I would very much enjoy being wrong on this).
>
>       Generic question related to this:
>
>       Can ISP's arbitrarily refuse to give service to someone who tries
>       to sign up? i.e. if everyone refused to give Sony service could they
>       sue on some sort of discrimination/collusion charge?
>
>       Do ISP/ASP/*SP's HAVE to provide services if someone knocks on the
>       door requesting them or can they refuse for any reason what so ever?
>
>       Any armchair lawyers, who play one on TV, have the/an answer?
IANAL, but in my previous life at a different ISP, we used our "we
reserve the right to not provide service" clause a couple of times.  The
customer(s) were costing us more to support them.  We refunded their $$,
and sent them packing. 

Game Over. 

-- 
Larry Rosenman                     http://www.lerctr.org/~ler
Phone: +1 972-414-9812                 E-Mail: ler () lerctr org
US Mail: 1905 Steamboat Springs Drive, Garland, TX 75044-6749