| Re: DSL ISPs get a warning It's a good letter to put the DSL sellers on notice about unfair and deceptive business practices and false and/or deceptive advertising.
There is really nothing unique about DSL that requires that the AG's office get "educated" about the technology, beyond knowing what is being pushed to consumers and what the provider can deliver. Very similar to vehicle gas mileage claims that require "your actual mileage may vary." Existing laws can take care of this sort of behavior very well. Not much of a defense for them to claim "the dog ate my throughput."
As broadband pushes into the mainstream (which is what the providers want), they will come under increasing scrutiny for making claims and promises to the public they cannot deliver, under existing consumer protection laws. If they make false and/or outrageous claims, they will become the target of a public interest lawsuit somewhere or some state's AG filing an action.
I personally think it's great. More states should put these "broadband snake-oil salesmen" on notice. And more of us should complain to our state agencies that oversee such unlawful behavior so they will put them on notice. |
