[clue-tech] So-called "smart" hosts.

[William]

Jim Ockers wrote:
> Why investigate?  Nate is correct, there is no such thing as an FCC
> or other governmental charter for ISPs regardless of whether they use
> cable headends or DSLAMs or whatever.
>
> If you hear such a tale from an ISP or telco then you can be sure they 
> are lying.
>   
Investigate because two unrelated companies used the same jargon with 
two different Internet service technologies.  That leads me to believe 
there must be a federal charter system that controls what can be offered 
based on who's offering.  I wouldn't over-simplify this, given the scenario.

Sure, people lie when they want your service.  That's sales.  However, 
the coincidence AND the real-world behavior of Cable-based ISPs 
(blocking port 80 inbound connections, etc) is too convenient for this 
to be merely a sales ploy.  Add that both telecos and cable providers 
would have to be colluding in order for me to hear the same story from 
two unrelated companies.  That is highly unlikely, which warrants 
further investigation.

Why challenge such an inquiry?  Not seeing a law doesn't make the law 
any less binding.  :)  Anyway, this is quickly becoming a matter of 
curiosity more than anything.