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For the uninitiated like me, what's the significance of blocking port 135?
Which programs use that port?
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Exchange is a very small part of what 135 is used for - the significance for ntl (and other ISPs, and all internet users) is that it:
1) is left open by default on MS Windows installs
2) connects to parts of Windows that are prone to very serious bugs that can lead to machines being taken over.
This has led to it being used as a method of infecting Windows machines with viruses which cause degradation to service on the internet, which naturally ntl isn't too happy with (as it puts up the call rate and makes the customers very unhappy, and, contrary to public opinion, we like happy customers). So blocking it off *should*:
1) reduce the number of new infections, as your nice shiny new Windows install won't instantly get infected
2) reduce the number of hits on people's firewalls
3) give us some breathing space to get round to disinfecting everyone who's infected.