Should An ISP Be Allowed To Provide Content As Well As Access?
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Should your ISP be allowed to provide content as well as access to the internet? I don’t think so. People that are not so aware of what is going on quite often do self installs for DSL or cable services. The ISP setup software totally configures their computer with everything from tailoring a browser, modifying their home page, installing anti-virus software, pop-up blockers, tool-bars, trial versions of various software suites etc.
They make the practice sound good because they are “giving” it all to you for free. What makes them think the customer wants it in the first place?
The pathetic part of this scenario is the customers computer is bogged down and running slow. They think the problem is their “old computer” that is not so old and fully capable of browsing the web efficiently.
If the ISP wants to offer these things, fine offer them, don’t push them down the consumer’s throat. Make it clear on the installation exactly what is being installed. If it requires the customer to do a few extra clicks authorizing this or that so be it! I think a better approach would be to offer the services via email, billing inserts etc. Let it be a choice.
[tags] ISP,internet access, broadband, Miiikeee[/tags]
3 Comments
the oracle
October 24th, 2007
at 2:29pm
While I’m against deception, I don’t think this qualifies. Besides, anyone who is incapable of changing their own homepage (which is, after all, what you describe) shouldn’t be allowed to be on the computer.
In dunbing down computer usage, lots of things are lost. Think of phishing scams, and virus/worm/trojan problems. If the users had some clue, there would be fewer problems.
the oracle
October 24th, 2007
at 2:30pm
oops, should be dumbing down - smoke does get in your eyes!
verdican
October 24th, 2007
at 7:55pm
Not everyone is good with a computer. I know a lot of people who only use the computer when they need to check e-mail or type something up; they don’t even browse any sites other then Yahoo! or Google. With that in mind, I think it’s alright that ISP’s download certain programs onto your computer because for those people who aren’t very technical; those programs could really do them some good.
Now, just because I said that doesn’t mean that I think that an ISP can download anything to your computer. They should give the ‘Manuel Download’ option for those who know exactly what they want on their computer, and a ‘More Info’ option for people who want to know what the program they are about to download does. Besides, it’s not like its impossible to get rid of the content they provide. If you don’t like that Yahho! Toolbar; disable it. If you don’t like the Anti-Virus; uninstall it. It’s really not that hard.