On 18 Jan 2003, at 14:18, Randy J. Anderson wrote:

> I was planning to get cable internet connection.
> (when posting this, I'm using a US Robotics 56K modem)
>
> I went to adelphia.com to find out it's terms of service in section V
> prohibits me from hosting my own website on my PC system!!! WTH!!!
>
> I need major help.
>
> I need to know which ISP will give me cable or DSL internet service *and*
> allow me to host a web site on my PC system.
>
> BTW, I'm planning to set up a message board web site with:
>
> Xitami, PHP 4.2.3, MySQL 3.23.54 and PHPBB
>
> So, I'm getting majorly close to pulling my own hair out
> like a mad cat.
>
> I want opinions how to get a broadband connection while being allowed to
> have my own web server.
>
> Thanks, Randy J. Anderson

  There are, IMO, two basic reasons why some broadband providers would
prefer that customers not host servers on their connections:

1.  Although bandwidth *to* their customers is relatively cheap and
plentiful, bandwidth *from* them is a shared resource in somewhat more
limited supply.  If everybody is downloading content and sending a bit of
email, their pricing structure pretty much tracks their costs of providing
service.
  Putting up a server means that the proportion of traffic can start running
the other way.  Either your neighbors' performance starts getting bad, or
they have to add capacity (without new customers to pay for it), or they
have to detect your extra bandwidth consumption and bill you extra for it --
at which time, you get huffy and switch to a competing provider.  They can't
win.

2.  Although broadband bandwidth rates are often close the cmmercial leased
line rates, broadband prices are much lower.  How can they do that?
Broadband is not "business class" service.  Most of the time, it's just as
good, but 4-8 day repair times don't seem to be that unusual in broadband.
For a business site, that's unacceptible.
  The provider has no practical way to determine whether your site is a
hobby or a business -- until you sue them for lost revenue, etc.  They'd
prefer never to go there.

  Yes, there are broadband providers who will let you put up a server.  I
think this might be easier for DSL providers to manage than cable providers,
in general.
  Many of them, though, will charge you extra if the site becomes popular
enough to need extra bandwidth.  This could come as a rude shock, since your
control over how popular your site becomes is indirect and limited....

David Gillett

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