DirecPC users have been threatening for months to file a class action suit against Hughes Network Systems Inc., which runs the satellite Internet access service. Implemented in September, it is the means whereby the company reduces bandwidth allocation by around 50 percent for those customers deemed to be abusing the service. Hughes officials say the policy is necessary to ensure fair access for all customers. When an offending customer's usage pattern drops, Hughes lifts the restriction, Zatlowkal said. Hughes plans a public briefing this week to clarify the intent and guidelines of the Fair Access Policy, according to sources close to the company.
Users complain that the policy is unfair and vague.
They say they don't receive a warning before the policy is implemented, so it is unclear whether they're being punished or if the gateway is slow that day. And when I call Hughes to ask, they can't tell me. I called once and got a guy who said his name was Jim, and called the next day, got the same guy, and he said his name was Bob. Either way, he couldn't answer my questions. Hughes acknowledges the problem.