Terms and Conditions of Business Internet Service
8:49PM August 06, 2023
Terms and Conditions of Business Services Internet Services
V2.0 Revised 20230626
Section #01:
T&C Scope & Duration
The sections
listed in this document outline the terms and conditions of Business Services,
billing procedures and relationship between Customer and South Central Indiana
Rural Electric Membership Corporation, d/b/a SCI FIBER regarding the provision
of selected Services. By signing a
written Service Contract with an authorized SCI FIBER Sales Representative,
Customer agrees to be bound by all the terms and conditions contained herein
which shall constitute an agreement with SCI FIBER. The service period specified in the Service
Contract begins when any part of the contractual Services is turned on at
Customer’s premises.
SCI can amend
or change these Terms and Conditions at any time at its sole discretion. The most current Terms and Conditions will be
posted on the SCI FIBER website and Customer will be notified by email at least
30 days prior to any material changes in the Terms and Conditions taking
effect. The latest Terms and Conditions
only apply to new or renewed Service Contracts that occur on or after the latest
Terms and Conditions take effect.
When the Service Contract term is
reached the Service Contract will automatically renew on a month-by-month
basis, excluding any non-recurring charges.
The Terms and Conditions posted on the SCI FIBER website at the time the
Service Contract is signed or the Service Contract is renewed remain in effect
for the duration of the Service Contract.
It is Customer’s responsibility to review the Terms and Conditions on
the SCI FIBER website before signing the initial Service Contract or allowing
an existing Contract to auto-renew.
Section #02:
Contact Information & Correspondence
It is
Customer’s responsibility to make sure correct contact information is on record
at SCI FIBER at all times so SCI FIBER can communicate to Customer billing
information, changes in Terms and Conditions and any other information as SCI
FIBER deems appropriate for Customer and SCI FIBER to meet their contractual
obligations, and so SCI FIBER can be compliant with all communications required
by law.
Customer
understands that SCI FIBER bills will be emailed to the email address on file;
bills will not be mailed. It is Customer’s responsibility to make
sure spam filters are properly set on Customer’s devices so that e-mail
communications from SCI FIBER are properly directed to Customer’s email in-box.
Do not mail written correspondence with
bill payments. Please submit all correspondence separately to SCI FIBER c/o
South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation, Attention Business
Services, 300 Morton Avenue, Martinsville, IN
46151.
Section #03:
Subscription and Payment Terms
Customer is
subscribing to Services set forth in the signed business services contract and
Customer agrees to pay monthly charges in advance, including, but not limited
to all applicable taxes and fees. Taxes and fees may increase during the term
of the contract, and Customer will pay such increased taxes and fees commencing
with the next monthly bill. Customer agrees to pay for all Services provided by
SCI FIBER including, but not limited to, charges for installation and equipment.
Recurring charges will begin upon the
successful installation of ordered Services and will be invoiced monthly. A
pro-rated portion of the recurring charges will be included on the initial
invoice for the initial month or part thereof of Services as well the recurring
charges for the next month’s Services. Installation charges will appear on the
initial invoice or on the invoice following the date of installation. Changes
to ordered Services that result in a change in the recurring charge or Customer
requested changes to the installation method initially quoted (e.g., inside
conduit, demarcation extension, etc.) will be charged on the first invoice and
may necessitate that a new Application and Agreement for Services reflecting
the changes be executed by Customer.
Section #04:
Late/Other Charges
Customer shall
pay for all Services provided by SCI FIBER at the rates set forth in the
Agreement for Internet and Voice service. All amounts owed are due and payable
by the due date printed on the invoice. If Customer’s payment fails for any
reason SCI FIBER may impose a service charge of up to $25.00. A late charge
will be applied to the Customer’s invoice for all outstanding amounts owed
beyond the due date. The late charge will 5% of the amount owed or $20,
whichever is greater.
If Customer
fails to pay any invoice after the due date SCI FIBER reserves the right to
suspend or disconnect service without notification until invoice is paid in
full including any late fees and service charges. Customer shall continue to be
obligated to pay for the Services during such suspension, without rebate or
abatement. If Service is disconnected, SCI FIBER may impose a reconnect charge
of 25% of the monthly Internet and Voice Services fees. Customer acknowledges
that the initial and continued delivery of the Services is subject to credit
approval and a security deposit may be required. SCI FIBER may obtain and
review Customer’s credit report at any point.
Customer shall
be responsible for all reasonable attorneys’ fees, collection fees, and cost of
collections incurred by SCI FIBER arising out of SCI FIBER’s efforts to collect
any unpaid amounts or enforce its rights under this Agreement. Customer shall have forty-five (45) days from
the date of invoice to request a billing adjustment or the right to the billing
adjustment shall be waived. All requests for billing adjustments shall be in
writing and accompanied by supporting documentation.
A service call that SCI FIBER deems (i)
not part of SCI FIBER’s network responsibility or (ii) caused by Customer or
Customer’s agent, can result in truck-roll and service fees based on hourly rates
applicable at that time. Customer agrees
to accept and pay those charges.
Section #05:
Network Usage
Customer understands that use of the
Services is subject to SCI FIBER’s Acceptable Use Policy, as may be amended
from time to time, which can be found at sciremc.com/scifiber/internet-resources/
or may be requested by contacting SCI FIBER at SCI FIBER c/o South Central
Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation, 300 Morton Avenue, Martinsville,
IN 46151, 833-444-2504. Customer assumes all responsibility and liability for
the security of information on Customer’s personal or business or 3rd
party devices, including but not limited to Customer’s computer, and
information Customer transmits or receives through the Services. SCI FIBER has
no responsibility and disclaims any liability for the security of any
information on Customer’s personal, business or 3rd party devices,
or the security or accuracy of any information or data transmitted or received
through the Services. SCI FIBER has no responsibility and disclaims any
liability for unauthorized access by third persons to Customer’s business or
personal devices, files, or data or any loss or destruction of Customer files
or data.
Section #06:
Equipment Ownership & Risk of Loss
“Equipment” includes all equipment,
property, and facilities installed in or on Customer premises by SCI FIBER
including, without limitation Network Interface Devices (NIDs), Optical Network
Terminals (ONTs), switches and routers, leased telephones, and any other
equipment that has not been expressly sold to Customer, but does not include
any optical or copper cabling on Customer’s side of any NIDs. This Equipment
delivered to Customer and/or installed on the premises to receive the Services
shall remain the sole and exclusive property of SCI FIBER. Equipment cannot be
removed from Customer premises and used in another location. Customer assumes the risk of loss, theft or
damage to all Equipment at all times prior to the removal of the Equipment by SCI
FIBER or return of the Equipment by Customer. Customer agrees to pay any
Equipment lease charges associated with the Services. Upon termination of
Services for any reason, Customer agrees to immediately return all Equipment in
the same operating condition as when received (except for reasonable wear and
tear) directly to SCI FIBER within 10 days of the termination of Services. In
the event that the Equipment is destroyed, damaged, lost or stolen, or not
returned to SCI FIBER for any reason within 10 days of termination of Services,
including fire, flooding, storm or other incident beyond Customer’s control,
Customer shall be liable to SCI FIBER for the full replacement cost of any
unreturned or damaged Equipment.
Customer shall not alter, misuse, repair, or in any manner tamper with
the Equipment or outlets or remove from the Equipment any markings or labels. Such
alteration, misuse, repair, or tampering will constitute damaged equipment for
which the Customer is liable for the full replacement cost.
Customer
understands and agrees that any deposit on account may be used to offset the
cost of any unreturned or damaged Equipment. Furthermore, Customer understands
and agrees that SCI FIBER may charge Customer’s credit card on file at
termination of Services for the cost for any unreturned or damaged Equipment,
in accordance with applicable law.
SCI FIBER will
make reasonable efforts to maintain its network and respond to service calls in
a timely manner. SCI FIBER will repair
damage to Equipment, or interruption of Service, due to reasonable wear and
tear or technical malfunction.
Section #07:
Access on Premises
By entering into this Agreement, Customer hereby grants to SCI
FIBER a license to install a fiber drop at the address(s) indicated in the business
service contract.
Customer warrants that Customer is either the owner of the premises
or that Customer has the authority to give SCI FIBER access to the premises. If
Customer is not the owner of the premises or does not have the authority, Customer
is responsible for obtaining the necessary approval from whomever does have the
authority to allow SCI FIBER and its agents onto and into the property,
building, premises and building infrastructure to perform the activities to
install, configure, maintain, inspect, upgrade, replace, or remove the services
and/or equipment used to receive any service(s). In addition, Customer agrees
to supply SCI FIBER and its agents, if requested, the owner’s name, address,
and phone number and/or evidence that the owner has provided such
authorization.
SCI FIBER will notify Customer to
schedule installation of Customer’s fiber drop, and will schedule a second
appointment for completing the in-premises connection for service. Whenever an
on-site visit is required such as but not limited to service installation,
network maintenance or service termination, Customer and SCI FIBER will make
all reasonable efforts to schedule mutually acceptable visit time(s) falling
within normal business hours.
Section #08:
Changes in Services/Charges
SCI FIBER may change Services and
charges, including deleting Services. SCI FIBER will give Customer thirty (30)
days’ prior written notice of increases or other changes in charges or Services
in conformity with applicable law. Customer acknowledges that the content,
programs and/or formats of the Services may be discontinued, modified or
changed by SCI FIBER at any time without prior notice.
Section #09:
Termination of Services by SCI FIBER
SCI FIBER reserves the right to suspend
performance or terminate Services for: (i) breach of any of these terms and
conditions, (ii) violation of SCI FIBER’s Acceptable Use Policy, (iii) overdue
payments, or (iv) if requested or mandated by Law Enforcement.
Upon termination for any reason, SCI
FIBER may charge additional fees on any unpaid balance. Customer understands
and agrees that any deposit account may be used to offset any outstanding
balance and or the cost of any unreturned or damaged Equipment. Further,
Customer understands and agrees that SCI FIBER may charge Customer’s credit
card on file at termination of Service in the amount of any outstanding balance
and/or for the cost for any unreturned or damaged Equipment, in accordance with
applicable law.
Section #10:
Termination of Services by Customer
If any Services are terminated prior to
Service commencement date for such Services, Customer agrees to pay SCI FIBER
an early termination charge equal to: (i) all documented engineering,
construction and electronics costs incurred; and (ii) any non-recurring fees SCI
FIBER incurs from other third parties in connection with cancellation of the
Services. If any Services are terminated after the Service commencement date
for such Services and prior to the expiration of the term of such Services
contained in this Agreement the Customer agrees to pay SCI FIBER an early
termination charge equal to: (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the monthly
recurring charges for the Services multiplied by the number of months remaining
in the first half of the term; (ii) fifty percent (50%) of the monthly
recurring charges for the Services multiplied by the number of months remaining
in the second half of the term; (iii) any non-recurring fees SCI FIBER incurs
from other third parties in connection with cancellation of the Services; and
(iv) any outstanding invoices or other amounts still owed by Customer. Such
early termination charge payment shall be due within thirty (30) days of the
effective date of cancellation.
Section #11:
Telephone Number Porting
Any telephone
numbers utilized for the provision of any service by SCI FIBER shall be deemed
assigned to SCI FIBER and SCI FIBER has the sole discretion on “porting” such
numbers during the term of the agreement and so long as any fees remain unpaid
to the SCI FIBER including any termination fees provided for herein.
Section #12:
Internet Access Speeds
The data rate specified in the contract
is the maximum rate at which downstream and upstream data may be transferred
between SCI FIBER’s facilities and the network interface device at Customer’s
business location(s); for Shared Fiber Business the actual rate will vary based
on network loading on the fiber shared between multiple users in Customer’s
area; for Dedicated Fiber and DIA Fiber the maximum data rate can be expected all
the way to SCI FIBER’s network backbone.
Data rates can also be affected by networks beyond SCI FIBER’s
control: networks to, from and while
traversing the internet, including all servers along the way. The actual speed may affect Customer’s
on-line experience including ability to view streaming video and speed of
downloads. Except as otherwise
provided by law,
SCI FIBER reserves the right to
implement network management controls to optimize and ensure that adequate
speed and data transfer is available to all internet service customers.
Section #13:
Service Levels
SCI FIBER will
provide a 24/7 call center for Customer to contact regarding any service issues
that arise. All business issues take
precedence over residential service issues and are addressed on the following
priority basis:
·
Direct
Internet Access (24/7)
·
Dedicated
Fiber (24/7)
·
Shared
Fiber (24/7)
·
Residential
(weekday/business hours)
Unless a
Service Level Agreement exists as part of the written contract, SCI FIBER makes
no other promises or commitments regarding service response time, network performance
or network up-time.
Section #14:
Inside Wiring
SCI FIBER is not responsible for the
functionality, operability, repair, or maintenance of any wiring installed
inside Customer’s premises, including, but not limited to fiber between the NID and ONT switch or router; coax, cat 5,
cat 6, HDMI, fiber optics, DVI, or twisted pair cables; or any wall plates,
barrels, splitters, ground blocks, jacks, or house/office boxes located on the
premises, or any other wiring after the point of demarcation (typically the ONT
switch or router) unless Customer and SCI FIBER otherwise agree in writing. SCI
FIBER is not responsible for any damage, including, but not limited to, animal
or pet damage, fire damage, weather damage, or cuts to the Inside Wiring.
Customer will be charged for a service call and any applicable repair charges if
SCI FIBER responds to a request for service and determines that the problem is
caused by Inside Wiring. If the problem
is caused by cabling/wiring between the NID and ONT SCI FIBER will repair the
cable and a service fee will be charged
Section #15:
Customer Warranties
Customer
represents and warrants:
I.
that
Customer is at least 18 years of age and is legally authorized to enter into
this Agreement.
II.
that
Customer has accurately represented what parts of the premises Customer is
legally empowered to authorize SCI FIBER to enter onto or into for the purposes
set forth in this Agreement, including but not limited to: (a) placing fiber
optic cables near or adjacent to the current locations of other utilities on
the property, and if necessary, to install an above ground pedestal on the
premises; (b) attaching wiring and equipment to a structure; and (c)
installing, maintaining, repairing, or disconnecting Service, and that Customer
so authorizes SCI FIBER on a perpetual basis.
III.
that
Customer owes no monies to SCI FIBER or any divisions of South Central Indiana
Rural Electric Membership Corporation. If SCI FIBER finds a prior account with
Customer with monies owed to South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation,
then SCI FIBER may apply any funds received to that prior account.
Section #16:
Theft of Service
The receipt of Services without SCI
FIBER’S authorization is prohibited. Customer may be subject to both civil and
criminal penalties for such conduct.
Theft includes but is not limited to customers sharing internet and
networking services between other homes and businesses.
Section #17:
Transfer of Account / Change of Location
The Services shall only be provided to
Customer at the address where SCI FIBER’S installation is performed. Customer
may not transfer Customer’s rights or obligation to the Services to any
successor tenant or occupant or to any other address.
Section #18:
Warranty Disclaimer; Limitation of Damages
The Services
are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any
kind either express or implied. SCI
FIBER does not warrant the Services will be uninterrupted or error free. SCI FIBER makes no warranty, express or
implied, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose or non-infringement of either the Equipment or Services furnished
hereunder.
a. Limitation of Liability. SCI FIBER shall not be liable to
Customer for indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or
exemplary damages arising out of or in connection with the Services or any acts
or omission associated therewith, including any acts or omissions by SCI FIBER
or subcontractors of SCI FIBER, or relating to any services furnished, or the
act of installing fiber and equipment to provide Services, or removal of fiber
and equipment to deinstall Services, whether, such claim is based on breach of
warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory and regardless of the causes
of such loss or damages or whether any other remedy provided herein fails. SCI
FIBER shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising due to the
unavailability of the Services, including the inability to reach 911 or any
other emergency services, the inability to contact a security system or remote
medical or other monitoring service provider or any failure or fault relating
to customer-provided equipment, facilities, or services.
b. Customer Exclusive Remedy. SCI FIBER’S entire liability and
Customer’s exclusive remedy with respect to the use of the Services or any
breach by SCI FIBER of any obligation SCI FIBER may have under these terms and
conditions shall be Customer’s ability to terminate the Services or to obtain
the replacement or repair of any defective Equipment. In no event shall SCI
FIBER’s liability to Customer for any claim arising out of this Agreement
exceed the amount paid by Customer during the preceding thirty (30) day period.
Section #19:
Customer Indemnification
Customer agrees
that Customer shall be responsible for and shall defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless SCI FIBER and its employees, affiliates, suppliers, agents and
contractors and shall reimburse SCI FIBER for any damages, losses or expenses
(including without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs) incurred
by SCI FIBER in connection with any claims, suits, judgments and causes of
action arising out of (i) work performed installing, maintaining, servicing or
deinstalling fiber services, (ii) Customer’s use of the Services or equipment;
(iii) violation or infringement of
contractual rights, privacy, confidentiality, copyright, patent, trademark,
trade secret, or other intellectual property and proprietary rights arising
from Customer’s use of the Services or any unauthorized apparatus or system; or
(iv) customer’s breach of any provision of these Terms and Conditions or the
Acceptable Use Policy or any agreement related to the Services.
Section #20:
Service Interruptions
SCI FIBER assumes no liability for
interruption of Service or alterations in programming due to circumstances
beyond its control, including without limitation, acts of God, natural
disaster, fire, civil disturbance, strike or weather. SCI FIBER assumes no
liability for any substitution, discontinuation or modification of any
programming. SCI FIBER will strive to restore service within seventy-two (72)
hours after Customer reports a service interruption or other problem if the
cause was not beyond SCI FIBER’s control, including without limitation, acts of
God, natural disaster, fire, civil disturbance, strike or weather.
Section #21:
Voice 911/E911 Service Limitations and Limitation of Liability
Customer
understands and acknowledges that Customer may lose access to SCI FIBER’s
communication services or the service may not function properly, including the
ability to call for 911/E911 service under certain circumstances, including but
not limited to the following; (i) service provider network or facilities ae not
operating; (ii) if Customer otherwise loses Customer broadband connection;
(iii) if Customer is experiencing a power outage; (iv) if electrical power to
the modem is interrupted; and (v) if Customer failed to provide a proper
service address or moved the service to a different address. Customer understands and acknowledges that in
order for Customer 911/E911 calls to be properly directed, SCI FIBER must have
Customer’s current service address and if Customer moves Customer’s Service to
a different address without SCI FIBER’s approval, 911/E911 calls may be
directed to the wrong emergency authority, may transmit the incorrect location
address for responding or the SCI FIBER Phone Service (including 911/E911) may
fail altogether. Customer is required to
notify SCI FIBER of any change of address of the voice enabled advanced modem
for E911 calling service to work properly. Customer agrees that, to the maximum
extent allowed by law SCI FIBER shall have no liability for any damages caused,
directly or indirectly, by customer’s inability to access the Services,
including the SCI FIBER’s Phone and 911/E911 services.
Prior to the
initiation of Services, SCI FIBER will provide Customer with warning labels
regarding the limitations or unavailability of 911 emergency dialing. Customer agrees to place such label on or
near each telephone or other customer-premises equipment or user-premises
equipment on which the Services may be used. Additional labels may be requested
from SCI FIBER.
Customer agrees to defend, indemnify,
and hold harmless SCI FIBER, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates and
agents and SCI FIBER contractors who furnish services to Customer in connection
with this Agreement or the Service, from any and all claims, losses, damages,
fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorney fees) by, or on behalf of, Customer or any third party or user of
Customer’s account relating to the absence, failure or outage of the Service,
including 911 dialing and/or inability of Customer or any third person or party
or user of the Service to be able to dial 911 or to access emergency service
personnel.
Section #22:
Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for any
failure of performance hereunder due to causes beyond its reasonable control,
including, but not limited to acts of God, fire, explosion, vandalism, cable
cuts, storms or other similar catastrophes; any law, order, regulation, direction,
action or request of the United States government, or any other government,
including state and local governments having jurisdiction over either of the
parties, or of any department, agency, commission, court, bureau, corporation
or other instrumentality of any one or more of said governments, or of any
civil or military authority; national emergencies; insurrections, riots, wars,
or strikes, lockouts, work stoppages or other labor disputes or difficulties.
Not withstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Customer agrees
that payment obligations hereunder shall be absolute and not subject to delay
due to any event of force majeure.
Section #23:
Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be construed and
governed by the laws of the State of Indiana. The parties consent to the
exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of the federal and/or state courts in
Morgan County, Indiana.
Section #24:
Entire Agreement; Modification; Counterparts
This Agreement contains all of the
agreements, promises and understandings between SCI FIBER and the Customer
regarding the subject matter hereof and no oral agreements, promises,
statements, assertions or representations by SCI FIBER or Customer or any
employees, agents, contractors, or other representatives of either, shall be
binding upon the parties. This Agreement cannot be modified unless such
modification is made in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative
of each party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SCI FIBER may modify this
Agreement, if necessary to update, clarify or correct any provision herein,
without first providing notice or obtaining prior consent of the Customer, if,
and only if, such modification is not material. If any provisions of this
Agreement shall be determined to be void by any court of competent
jurisdiction, then such determination shall not affect any other provision of
this Agreement and all such other provisions shall remain in full force and
effect and shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by
law. The headings and captions in this Agreement are solely for convenience and
shall not be considered in construing or interpreting any provision in this
Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall constitute an original and all of which shall constitute the same
agreement.