Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) governs the use of internet services and related services provided by The Laffoon Corporation d/b/a Vertical Horizon Networks, LLC ("The Laffoon Corporation", “Vertical Horizon Networks,” “VHN,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). This AUP applies to all residential and business customers, account holders, authorized users, and any person who accesses or uses VHN services through a customer account (“Customer,” “you,” or “your”).

This AUP is incorporated by reference into VHN’s Terms of Service and forms part of the agreement between you and VHN. By using VHN services, you agree to comply with this AUP.

1. Prohibited activities

Customers may not use VHN services to engage in activities that are illegal, harmful, abusive, or that interfere with the network, other customers, or third parties. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• • Violating any applicable local, state, federal, or international law or regulation.
• • Unauthorized access to, intrusion into, or interference with systems, networks, accounts, or data.
• • Distribution of malware, viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, or other malicious code.
• • Operating open relays, open proxies, botnet infrastructure, or similar abuse-enabling services.
• • Sending spam or bulk unsolicited communications (email, texts, automated messages, or similar).
• • Activities that infringe intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademark violations.
• • Threats, harassment, or conduct intended to harm, intimidate, or exploit others.
• • Attempts to evade network controls, authentication, security mechanisms, or lawful restrictions.

2. Network integrity and disruptive use

VHN services are intended for typical residential and small business usage patterns. Because portions of the network are shared, certain behaviors may degrade service for others. You may not use the service in a way that causes unreasonable strain on shared resources, creates harmful congestion, or otherwise interferes with normal operation of the network.

Examples of disruptive use may include sustained high-volume traffic patterns, excessive connection attempts, abuse of upstream services, or other activity that materially degrades performance or stability. VHN may apply reasonable measures to protect the network and restore normal service conditions.

3. Security and compromised devices

You are responsible for securing your devices, networks, and accounts. If a customer device or network is compromised and causes abuse, disruption, or security risk, VHN may temporarily restrict, rate-limit, or suspend service until the issue is resolved. This includes cases where a customer device participates in spam, scanning, denial-of-service activity, or malware distribution.

4. Investigation and enforcement

VHN reserves the right to investigate suspected violations of this AUP and to take appropriate corrective actions, including warning notices, traffic restriction, service suspension, or termination. VHN may also cooperate with law enforcement, regulatory authorities, upstream providers, and other parties as required by law or as necessary to address abuse, fraud, or network harm.

5. No routine monitoring of content

VHN does not routinely monitor the content of customer communications as part of standard network operations. However, VHN may review network activity, logs, or related information when necessary to: (a) operate, secure, and maintain the network; (b) investigate suspected violations of this AUP or the Terms of Service; (c) respond to abuse complaints; or (d) comply with applicable law, lawful process, or valid governmental requests.

6. Changes to this policy

VHN may update this AUP from time to time to reflect changes in services, technology, business practices, or legal requirements. The effective date above indicates the current version. Continued use of the service after the updated policy is posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

7. Contact

Questions regarding this AUP may be submitted using VHN’s published contact methods on the Contact page.