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Re: What exactly is an internet (service) provider?

2004-06-20 03:58:48
On Sat, Jun 19, 2004 at 11:40:03PM -0400, John C Klensin wrote:

First, Hadmut, and others with his concerns in other countries,
probably need to approach the local regulatory authorities who
are concerned about consumer fraud and say "the range of things
that people are selling under the name 'Internet service'
includes too broad a range.

Correct in principle, but no chance to do it in reality.

If I contact the regulatory authorities, they will ask
me "What's wrong with those ISP's?"

I answer "They do... and the don't..."

They'd say: Uhm, we're familiar with the Internet in 
common, but not with all those details. Most people seem 
to be happy with that, and if not, why don't you change to
a provider of your taste? We don't see why there is a need
to change the status quo of ISPs. 

I'd reply: Because that's not correct. This is not "Internet". 
This is some approx. This causes technical problems. This is 
fraud.

They'd say: Who are you to tell what's correct and what's 
"Internet"? Nobody has ever defined that term. If there
is no definition, then there is no "correct" or "not correct".



But if we had a precise definition and a taxonomy of the 
different classes of ISPs, I could say: Look, the 
IETF has given a definition. They're the guys who
control the internet and keep it running well. They
are exactly the ones to tell what's correct and 
what's not. And now, some of those german providers
are violating law. Because they are actually advertising
to provide internet, what they in fact don't do. 
False advertising is unlawful. 

regards
Hadmut

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