MOPC Internet Services – Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) 

 

Effective Date: January 1st 2025

Applies To: All customers of MOPC’s Open-Access Internet Services

  1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) outlines the rules and responsibilities for customers using MOPC’s Internet services. Its purpose is to ensure:

  • Reliable, safe, and fair use of our network
  • Protection of customers’ rights to privacy and security
  • Compliance with Canadian laws and regulations, including the Telecommunications Act, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) rulings, and applicable Nova Scotia provincial regulations
  •  

By using MOPC Internet Services, you agree to this AUP as part of your service agreement.

 

  1. General Principles

Customers are expected to use MOPC Internet Services in a manner that is:

 

  • Lawful: Complying with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws
  • Responsible: Avoiding activities that disrupt, degrade, or harm the network or other users
  • Respectful: Honouring the rights, privacy, and security of others

 

  1. Prohibited Activities

The following uses are strictly prohibited:

3.1 Illegal Activities

  • Downloading, uploading, or distributing material that violates copyright, trademark, or intellectual property laws
  • Hosting or distributing child exploitation material, hate propaganda, terrorism-related content, or any other content prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canadaor other applicable laws
  • Engaging in fraud, identity theft, phishing, or unauthorized access to computer systems
  • Facilitating illegal gambling or online pharmacy operations not licensed in Canada

3.2 Network Abuse

  • Spamming (unsolicited bulk email or messages) or operating open mail relays
  • Launching denial-of-service (DoS/DDoS) attacks or introducing malicious software including viruses, worms, or botnets
  • Circumventing security or bandwidth management controls
  • Reselling or sharing your service outside your authorized premises without written permission from MOPC
  • Port scanning, vulnerability scanning, or network reconnaissance activities against third parties

3.3 Harmful or Disruptive Use

  • Using the service in ways that degrade or interfere with other customers’ access to the network
  • Running servers or applications that generate excessive network traffic without prior written approval
  • Cryptocurrency mining or other computationally intensive activities that impact network performance
  • Using the service to host public-facing servers without appropriate business service plans

3.4 Content Restrictions

  • Hosting or distributing obscene, defamatory, or harassing content
  • Operating websites or services that facilitate copyright infringement
  • Distributing content that promotes violence or self-harm

 

  1. Fair Usage & Bandwidth Management

MOPC may employ reasonable traffic management policies to ensure fair access to all customers, including:

 

  • Network management during peak usage periods
  • Reasonable limits on bandwidth consumption for residential plans
  • Prioritization of certain traffic types (e.g., emergency services, VoIP)

 

Heavy or abusive usage that disrupts other users may result in warnings, speed limitations, or suspension. Customers will be notified of specific usage thresholds and management practices upon request.

 

  1. Security & Privacy
  • Customers are responsible for the security of their own devices, accounts, passwords, and Wi-Fi networks
  • MOPC does not monitor your online activities, except as required for network management, security incident response, or to comply with lawful requests from authorities
  • We strongly encourage the use of firewalls, anti-virus software, regular security updates, and secure Wi-Fi passwords
  • Customers must promptly address security compromises of their systems that may affect MOPC’s network

 

  1. Lawful Access & Legal Compliance

MOPC complies with all lawful requests for customer information and network access as required under Canadian law, including but not limited to court orders, warrants, and emergency requests from law enforcement.

 

  1. Consequences of Violations

If a customer violates this AUP, MOPC may take the following progressive actions:

  1. Warning notice by email, phone, or written correspondence
  2. Temporary suspension of service (typically 24-72 hours)
  3. Service restrictions or filtering of specific activities
  4. Termination of service for repeated or severe violations with appropriate notice
  5. Referral to law enforcement if required by law
  6. Recovery of costs associated with addressing violations

 

The severity of the response will be proportional to the nature and impact of the violation. MOPC reserves the right to immediately suspend service for violations that pose security risks or legal liability.

 

  1. Appeals Process

 

Customers may appeal enforcement actions by contacting customer service at [phone number] or emailing appeals@mopc.cawithin 30 days of the action. Appeals will be reviewed by senior management within 5 business days.

 

  1. Reporting Abuse

If you believe this AUP has been violated, please report it to:
📧 abuse@mopc.ca
📞 [Insert phone number]

Include relevant details such as dates, times, IP addresses, and evidence of the violation.

 

  1. Limitation of Liability

MOPC’s liability for service interruptions, security breaches, or other issues arising from AUP violations is limited as set forth in your service agreement. Customers are responsible for their own data backup and security.

 

  1. Changes to Policy

MOPC may update this AUP from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or industry best practices. Material changes will be communicated to customers at least 30 days in advance via:

 

  • Email notification to the address on file
  • Posting at www.mopc.ca/policies
  • Direct mail for significant policy changes

 

Continued use of our services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated AUP.

 

  1. Contact Information

For questions about this AUP, contact:

MOPC Customer Service
📞   1-833-727-2256
📧 support@mopcnetwork.ca
📍 46 Municipal Dr, Pictou, NS B0K 0B5

 

Customer Acknowledgement: By using MOPC Internet Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Acceptable Use Policy.