Breach of TOS?

hjf288 · 02-10-2005, 22:47

http://www.abyssunderground.co.uk/hosting.php

Quote:

I am connected to the internet via NTL Cable Broadband.

2000Kbps downstream (about 200KB/s)
256Kbps upstream (about 25KB/s) Its not a lot, therefore all the hosting packages only get 10KB/s (100Kbps) maximum download speeds. My maximum upload speed is only about 25KB/s anyway.

Thought using your cable connection for this was against NTLs TOS?

**Paul** · 02-10-2005, 22:56

As far as I can see there is no payment involved, therefore it's probably not against the TOS.

bmxbandit · 02-10-2005, 22:58

interpolating down from the basic i-web package... i reckon the market value for a server that bad is 21p per year!

(half the bandwidth, a guess of about 25 times less upload)

MovedGoalPosts · 02-10-2005, 23:25

It does seem that the hosting is a free offer, and at the moment that is disabled. Thus he is running his own sites only. Whether any of that could be judged commercial I dunno. but if it's not commerial then it's not a problem, under the TOS unless he starts eating bandwidth, enough to breach a "cap", or just affect other ntl users.

What is against ntls Acceptable Use Policy is the number of computers he claims to have. Probably not sensible that he publicises that

Toto · 02-10-2005, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by hjf288

http://www.abyssunderground.co.uk/hosting.php

Thought using your cable connection for this was against NTLs TOS?

http://www.home.ntl.com/page/userpolicy&source=ntlworld

16. Abuse of the Services: Package Specific Information

All Packages (including Broadband and Dial-up Internet Services):
The service (including webspace) is for residential use only. It must not be used for business purposes.

Could be a breach, whether he is making money or not.

Graham M · 03-10-2005, 00:04

You are only a business if you are making money out of it??

hjf288 · 03-10-2005, 00:14

You can still run a business yet not turn a profit...

Element of cash is donations but wouldnt call that commercial unless the donation was forced

AbyssUnderground · 03-10-2005, 16:54

Thanks for your concern guys (Yes Im the admin of AbyssUnderground.co.uk) and I have checked this before. It is completely within the TOS. As long as I do not breech bandwidth limits, charge for my hosting or otherwise break any other TOS's it is completely within limits.

If I was in breech of the TOS, then NTL would have shut me down by now. The site has been hosted on the connection for over 3 months now and Ive not heard a peep from NTL who are otherwise providing an excellent connection.

The fact that they also allow port 80 to be open for this sort of thing pretty much adds to the fact that I can run a server.

Also it doesnt matter how many computers are connected to it, only 3 are ever on at one time anyway. They cant stop you using more than a certain amount of computers on it. If you go over your cap maybe but if not then you are within the TOS, yet again.

Thanks anyway guys. I hope you find my site useful.

Andy ( http://www.abyssunderground.co.uk )

MovedGoalPosts · 03-10-2005, 17:19

to Cable Forum

Glad to know that it's all above board

Toto · 05-10-2005, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbyssUnderground

The fact that they also allow port 80 to be open for this sort of thing pretty much adds to the fact that I can run a server.

Andy ( http://www.abyssunderground.co.uk )

Welcome.

Actually, if they closed port 80, then nobody would get web pages, and you can easily get round that by having your site available on another post, such as 143, used by SSL.

You are allowed to run a server yes, but there are restrictions, and ntl will enforce that even if there are no bandwidth issues, they have been doing it long before the usage guidelines.

AbyssUnderground · 05-10-2005, 16:41

Can you tell me what these restrictions are so I can keep to the guidelines? I dont particulary want to stop the hosting because it is a very popular website for helping people with a piece of software I am supporting.

Its one of only two sites of its kind and shutting it down would mean lots of people would have issues with the software.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Andy

Toto · 05-10-2005, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbyssUnderground

Can you tell me what these restrictions are so I can keep to the guidelines? I dont particulary want to stop the hosting because it is a very popular website for helping people with a piece of software I am supporting.

Its one of only two sites of its kind and shutting it down would mean lots of people would have issues with the software.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Andy

Sure thing.

This is the user policy specifically related to online services.

http://www.home.ntl.com/page/userpolicy&source=ntlworld

You may want to refer to sections 17 covering servers, and there is also a section dealing with what is considered residential use.

**Paul** · 05-10-2005, 18:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

Actually, if they closed port 80, then nobody would get web pages, and you can easily get round that by having your site available on another post, such as 143, used by SSL.

That's not true. They would only block incoming requests to port 80, which would not affect anyones abilty to browse as that is outgoing connections. BTW, SSL is port 443, not 143.

v0id · 05-10-2005, 18:40

IMAP is port 143

and why on earth would you run a hosting service from your residental BB line :?

'tis madness

AbyssUnderground · 05-10-2005, 21:13

I do it because its easier than having a server 500 miles away in London. I get unlimited space, complete root access (obviously) and if something goes wrong with it, its my fault not my hosting company. Also I find it more convenient because FTP uploading over 500mb is not very easy or fast.