Please read this document carefully before accessing Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems. By using any Direct Communications Internet service you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, you may not access Direct Communications Internet’s network or systems.

Purpose

This document constitutes the Acceptable Use Policy of Direct Communications Internet. This document describes the guidelines that Direct Communications Internet uses in providing services to its customers and the rules to which Direct Communications Internet customers must adhere in order to continue to enjoy and allow others to enjoy optimum use of Direct Communications Internet’s services via its network and systems.

Application

This policy is applicable to all Direct Communications Internet customers. A breach of any of the terms and conditions of this policy by any Direct Communications Internet customer is strictly prohibited and may lead to the suspension or termination of the customer's service without notice. All Direct Communications Internet customers must take responsibility for distribution, publication and enforcement of the Direct Communications Internet Acceptable Use Policy at their sites.

General Usage

Responsible Usage

You must take responsibility for your actions on the network and systems you access through Direct Communications Internet. You must comply with rules, regulations and acceptable usage policies that are in force for each system you access. If you act recklessly or irresponsibly or your actions endanger Direct Communications Internet network or systems, your access may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.

Resource Usage

Direct Communications Internet requires you to act responsibly when consuming resources on Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems. If you unreasonably consume excess resources on Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems, your access may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.

Secure Usage

Direct Communications Internet requires you to take responsibility for maintaining the security of your Direct Communications Internet service. Protection of the security aspects of your service, like accounts and passwords, are your responsibility. Subsequent usage of your service by a third party will result in you being responsible for the charges incurred.

Unlawful or Unauthorized Usage

General

Direct Communications Internet’s services may only be used for lawful and authorized purposes. Storage, transmission or distribution of any material in violation of Commonwealth or State legislation is prohibited. This includes copyright material, material legally judged as threatening or obscene, or material protected by trade secret.

Unauthorized Usage

Any attempt to access or modify unauthorized computer system information or to interfere with normal system operations, whether on the equipment of Direct Communications Internet or any computer system or network that is accessed by our services may result in the suspension or termination of your access. Unauthorized activities include, but are not limited to, guessing or using passwords other than your own, accessing information that does not have public permission, and accessing any system on which you are not welcome. Any attempt to disrupt or interfere with users, services or equipment may result in the termination or suspension of your access. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising or spamming, monopolization of services, propagation or transmission of information or software which contains computer worms, trojan horses, virii or other harmful components using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via Direct Communications Internet, sending harassing or threatening e-mail, and forgery or attempted forgery of e-mail messages. You will be held liable for, and indemnify Direct Communications Internet for, all costs and damages, attributable to your unauthorized activities or disruptions.

Illegal or Fraudulent Usage

You must not use, or allow any other person to use, the Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems for any activities of an illegal or fraudulent nature, including any activities prohibited under the Telecommunications Act 1989 (Cth), the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) or under other applicable state and/or Commonwealth Laws.

Copyright

It is your responsibility not to store on a Direct Communications Internet system, transfer or cause to be transferred over the Direct Communications Internet network, reproduce or make available for distribution through the Direct Communications Internet network, any data where the storage, reproduction, transfer, or distribution of that data is in contravention of the Copyright Act 1968.

Content

Direct Communications Internet does not and cannot monitor or control the content and information accessed via Direct Communications Internet; Direct Communications Internet only provides access. Direct Communications Internet shall not be held responsible in any way for the content of the information accessed via Direct Communications Internet or offered for public access via Direct Communications Internet. It is you and/or your users and customers' responsibility to avoid whatever is found to be offensive or obscene on any system. You and/or your users and customers must take responsibility for the material placed on Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems, and the statements made in mediums including, but not limited to, web pages, e-mail, chat or discussion forums. Content providers must clearly identify material unsuitable for minors and refrain from contributing prohibited material, including, but not limited to, material deemed obscene under the Classifications (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 (Vic). Failure to comply with relevant legislation by you or your users and customers may lead to suspension or termination of your access.

Investigation by Authorities

Direct Communications Internet reserves the right to act in any appropriate manner, where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that illegal or unacceptable usage of the Direct Communications Internet’s network and systems is occurring. Direct Communications Internet cooperates fully with Commonwealth and State Police and other bodies investigating unlawful behavior on or via its network or systems. Direct Communications Internet reserves the right to suspend your access if your usage of its network or systems is subject to any investigation.

Complaints

To report a violation of Direct Communications Internet’s Acceptable Use Policy, please send details, including any documentation, article or e-mail to support@directcom.com.

General

Direct Communications Internet reserves the right to suspend or terminate your service without refund should you or your customers breach, or assist, abet, encourage or incite another party to breach any of the above terms, conditions, rules, regulations or laws.

Disclaimer of Liability

Direct Communications Internet disclaims all liability for, and does not accept any responsibility for, anything that may happen to you or your equipment, or any loss incurred by you through use of Direct Communications Internet, the use of any of the services provided by Direct Communications Internet, or the suspension or termination of your service by Direct Communications Internet. This disclaimer of liability does not supersede or replace any other obligation expressly provided in any Direct Communications Internet Service Agreement.

In accordance with Federal law and the USDA’s policy, Direct Communications is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Direct Communications is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Electrification Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program and incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact Direct Communications or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice or TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination complaint Form, AD-3027, found online here and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail USDA, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

To Our Valued Customers:
Direct Communications (DC) respects your privacy and observes the privacy rules established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. Under federal law, you have the right to confidentiality of CPNI information regarding the telecommunication services to which you subscribe and how you use them. DC has a duty to protect the confidentiality of CPNI.

Customer Propriety Network Information (CPNI)
Federal CPNI rules require that every customer be given the opportunity to create a password for their account. We encourage you to establish your own password and share it only with the persons you trust to have access to your account. If you have not established a password, one has been assigned to your account by DC. For added convenience, below are alternative identity verification methods, in addition to your password, which may be used for us to discuss CPNI account information with you:

DC can send the CPNI information to the address of record that we have on file
DC can call you back at the telephone number of record
DC may disclose CPNI to you, or one of your authorized representatives, at our business office with a valid photo ID matching a name listed on the account.
For your convenience, you may submit your CPNI set-up information online by going to our website www.directcom.com or calling our office.

Use of CPNI Information
DC will not sell or disclose your account information or provide details of your calls to other parties, unless required by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
DC is authorized by the FCC to market services to our subscribers within the categories of service already provided to those customers without approval. From time to time, we may market additional features for the services you already have from us. Occasionally, you may be notified of additional products and services from outside the existing business relationship we have with you. Typically, our marketing campaigns are focused on a geographic area rather than individual customers which is permitted since the offering does not rely upon CPNI (i.e. mass mailings). However, when marketing is based on CPNI, you have a right to be excluded from these marketing efforts.
If you choose to accept CPNI-based marketing information, no action is required on your part. However, if you prefer to be excluded from these marketing efforts related to services you do not already have with us, please send us your desire to opt-out of any targeted marketing in writing and we will honor your request without any affect to the quality service you are receiving. Approval to send you information about services to which you do not subscribe is valid until your affirmatively revoked such approval in writing.
If you have any questions, please stop by or call our office at (208) 548-2345

Sincerely,
Direct Communications

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Backup Power For Home Phone Services During Power Outages
For many years, your home phone would allow you to stay connected to emergency voice services during a power outage. However, many of today’s advanced home phone services require backup battery power to continue functioning during a power outage. To minimize disruption of home voice service during a power outage – and to maintain the ability to connect to 911 emergency services — we at Direct Communications offer you the option of purchasing backup power for your home phone line.

What Your Battery Backup Can – And Can’t – Do For You
Backup batteries for optical network terminals allow you to continue to use your home voice line during a power outage. Without a backup battery or alternate home backup power source (such as a generator), customers will not be able to make calls during a power outage, including emergency calls to 911. The only way to maintain the ability to use your voice line during a power outage is by using some form of backup power. Using the battery backup for anything other than VoIP 911 access will reduce longevity.

A backup battery for the optical network terminal does not provide power to any services other than voice. Internet service, computers, televisions, home security systems, medical monitoring devices, and other equipment will not run on a residential optical network terminal’s backup battery. Cordless phones and their base stations are not powered or charged by the backup battery.

Purchase Options
If you are concerned about being able to contact 911 emergency services during a power outage, a backup battery may be a good option for you. Up to 24 hours battery systems are available.

You may purchase the following backup battery solutions directly from Direct Communications, at the time of initial customer sign-up or later by calling (208) 548-2345.

Backup Power For Home Phone Services During Power Outages

To apply to Lifeline, contact Direct Communications. For more information about the Lifeline program, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/

The following are the terms and conditions set forth by Direct Communications (DC) under which you agree when subscribed to DC services. Unless otherwise provided, the terms and conditions for the equipment used in association with this Service are those terms and conditions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

After notification of a modification, your continued use of the Service and equipment constitutes an affirmative agreement to be bound by such new terms, conditions, and charges.

1. SERVICE & EQUIPMENT

By accepting services &equipment, you agree to abide by the terms set forth herein and are bound by such terms and conditions.

All Internet Services are “up to” speed packages. There is no minimum guaranteed speed for the Service.

You agree to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy as outlined on the DC website: https://directcom.com/.

Commencing on the date Service is installed, you will pay the current charges for such Service and equipment, including installation charges and shipping and handling charges (if applicable) upon commencement of billing. Billing will begin when we have activated your Service on our network whether or not you have completed self-installation or actually use said Service.

You agree not to relocate DC-supplied equipment to a different location within the premises or to a different location from where it was initially installed. When transferring your service to a new location, your account must be in good standing.

DC retains ownership of all provided or leased equipment. DC will repair and/or replace DC-owned or leased equipment at no charge unless such repair or replacement was the result of your or 3rd party misuse, negligence, fault, tampering or theft. DC is not responsible to bring service to, support, repair or replace customer-owned equipment or devices. Service calls initiated for customer-owned equipment may be subject to additional charges.

The Service shall continue until such time as you provide DC with notice that you wish to discontinue Service, or Service is terminated and/or canceled by DC, as set forth herein.

DC reserves the right to modify or discontinue Services upon reasonable notice to you.

2. BILLING, PAYMENTS & FEES

You agree to pay all fees and charges specified when you ordered your Service, including but not limited to recurring and nonrecurring charges for Internet Access, associated equipment and any other additional services and equipment you order.

DC encourages customers to receive monthly billing statements electronically free of charge. Paper statements are available upon request for a fee. Following installation, the online portal instructions will be emailed. It is your responsibility to set up your online account to view your monthly statements, make one- time payments and/or set up recurring payments for the date of your choice. If you choose to set up recurring payments through your online account, the recurring payment date must be after the 7th of the month to ensure billing has been fully properly processed.

DC bills in advance on the 1st of the month for that month’s service. Because your service is likely being installed after billing for that month has been completed, your first bill will include prorated charges for services from the time of installation through the end of the following month. This means your first statement will have charges for more than one month.

You are responsible to review your monthly billing statement for any errors. Unless notified, DC assumes the billing statement is corrected upon payment following the statement issuance date. In the event of an error, you must report the error to DC immediately. Billing errors will be corrected upon notification for the month in which they are reported and may not be prorated at the discretion of DC.

If any portion of payment is received after the payment due date (20th of each month), a monthly late charge may be charged. The monthly late charge will be the lower of: i) 5%; or ii) the highest amount allowed by law, applied to the entire outstanding balance for each month or portion thereof for which the balance remains.

AUTOPAY: Upon your request, DC will bill the credit card you provide or automatically debit the checking/savings account you provide to us for all Service charges, including installation charges, if applicable, on the 20th of the month, or the following business day if the 20th falls on a holiday or weekend.

DC may suspend or discontinue the DC Service if charges are not paid.

In the event you fail to pay the monthly charges billed to your credit card or debited to the checking/savings account you provided, DC reserves the right to bill all outstanding sums to your credit card or to bill you directly.

DC may assign unpaid late balances to a collection agency. In the event legal action and/or collections is necessary to collect on balances due, you agree to reimburse DC for all expenses incurred to recover sums due, including attorneys’ fees, collection fees and other lawful legal expenses.

Personnel for service calls are limited. DC reserves the right to charge a minimum $75.00 if you or another responsible adult are not present at the location for a scheduled dispatch appointment. Service concerns within your home or personal network or originating from customer-owned equipment, rather than an malfunction of DC’s equipment or an interruption of DC’s service, will result in a service charge.

DC reserves the right to charge $99.00 to transfer the service to a new location due to move or other reasons provided service is available at the new location.