If you use AT&T for DSL service, did you know that the ISP reserves the right to block your access to a website if they don't like the content? That is a restriction of free speech. Under AT&T's terms of service, they have the right to read your e-mails, IMs and keep records of the websites you visit. When a reporter contacted them about their violation of net neutrality, AT&T said they'll remove the clause from their terms of service. But they had not done so when the reporter checked again several months later. Maybe now they'll finally remove it. More likely they'll just block your access to Clarkhoward.com when this information goes up on the website! But AT&T is not alone in what it's doing. Comcast also had a history of blocking customers' access to content they didn't like. What we need is a federal policy for net neutrality. ISPs simply sell you a service, they're not Big Brother!

A few weeks ago, Clark slammed Comcast for violating net neutrality and lying about it. After that debacle, the monopoly actually paid people to stack an FCC hearing room and lied about it again! Well, that was a real turning point because it fanned the flames of public outrage. Now the company has reached a deal with BitTorrent that ensures they won't degrade your Internet experience anymore. It took them a while to do the right thing, but they're finally doing it. Keep in mind that there's new tech coming in the industry that will break the cable/phone monopoly chokehold on the Internet. New wireless spectrum and WiMAX promises 10 times the speed of DSL or cable modems for less money. We Americans will no longer have to suffer through a Third World Internet experience!

The Comcast story just gets weirder and weirder by the moment. Clark recently told you that the cable monopoly has been violating Net neutrality by degrading your connection if you watch video they don't own or control. They claim they're doing so for network management reasons, but no one believes them.

The FCC recently held a hearing on Comcast's alleged infractions. The monopoly worried that the hearing room would be packed with opponents, so they actually paid people to go to the hearing and fill the seats. They were hiring extras to keep their opponents out of the room! When Clark first heard this, he really didn't believe Comcast could possibly be stacking the hearing room. But now the company admits to it. By that admission, Comcast is only bringing more attention to how it interferes with your freedom of speech.

Why would Comcast want to make it unpleasant for you to watch a competitor's content online? This is about money, plain and simple; the Internet is hurting their cable business because so much TV and movie content is now available online for free. That allows customers to either cut back on their cable package or eliminate it altogether. After the hearing, the FCC announced they'll come up with steps to discourage cable and Internet providers from behaving like this. Comcast, however, remains defiant and says the FCC doesn't have the right to do this. Clark will let you know how it all works out.

One final thought: It's very dangerous when any monopoly decides to be judge, jury and executioner in determining what content you can and can't see. Our government has to make a stand now. If Comcast gets away with treading on the Constitution, how soon before others follow?

The nation's largest cable company has now admitted that it's purposely degrading your Internet experience when you watch a competitor's video online. At first Comcast was not forthcoming about its practices, but now the company has fessed up in a federal filing. Clark invites a Comcast spokesperson to come on the show and explain how they can justify their actions. Their excuse is that they're trying to make sure your Internet experience is reliable. Huh? Clark is really scratching his head over that one. What they're really doing is purposely conspiring against your good experience by forcing you to their content -- especially their cable service.

If you pay Comcast, who are they to be judge, jury and executioner and prevent you from accessing what you want online? This goes back to the issue of Net neutrality. For example, the phone company is required to complete your call as dialed; they can't decide that there's not enough revenue in the call for them and just disconnect you. Net neutrality does not permit it. Likewise, Comcast can't infringe on your rights. Congress will soon have hearings to discuss the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. Comcast is essentially deciding what speech you can and can't access. Clark knows that the cable providers are monopolies. Yet he's not aware of any of the other cable monopolies engaging in this despicable behavior. This has got to be stopped. If it's not, how soon will it be before the others try to engage in this funny business too? Clark has never feared media companies getting bigger, but there have to be some rules of engagement for capitalism and a cop on the beat.

Do you hate legal mumbo-jumbo? Well, consumer reporter David Lazarus recently read through Time Warner's entire 3,000 word privacy policy and terms of service. What he discovered is that Time Warner reserves the right to track the Internet habits of its high-speed customers. This info includes what websites you visit, how long you spend on them and what e-commerce purchases you make. They can also read your personal e-mails, according to the terms of service. Time Warner is also allowed to disclose personally identifiable info about its customers to advertisers, direct mail operations and telemarketers for a price. A company spokesperson claims they're not doing all this just yet, but Clark wonders why Time Warner is even allowed to reserve the right to totally invade your privacy. And it's not only Time Warner that has these kinds of policies -- AT&T tracks very similar info on its customers and records their TV viewings habits. While it's never good to look reflexively to Washington for a solution, Clark believes in this case we need an ironclad privacy policy from Congress to protect the privacy of your viewing and surfing. After all, would the CEOs of Time Warner and AT&T -- or those on Capitol Hill -- like it if the public saw every one of their e-mails?

The nation's largest cable monopoly is at it again creating mischief in the marketplace. Comcast has been shutting down its customers' Internet service without notice when they use too much bandwidth. Comcast won't divulge what defines too much use -- either to customers or the media. They say it's a secret. Their arrogance illustrates the danger of allowing technology to be in the chokehold of monopolies. Here we are in United States, the place that brought the Internet to the world, and we're falling further behind in Internet use and speed. In Japan, you can surf about nine times faster and it's cheaper because they have competition in their marketplace. To add insult to injury, now we have clowns like Comcast refusing to explain their bandwidth limits. You'd think they're protecting some kind of national security secret. Clark has nothing but contempt for Comcast and the way the company is using its monopoly position to take away people's access to the 'Net. While other Internet service providers say they also reserve the right to do this, no one else has as far as Clark knows. These monopoly-enforced bandwidth caps run counter to the spirit of America. Monopolies keep the prices stubbornly high and leave innovation is stuck in the mud. But it's more than just our wallets that suffer; it also harms us as a country because we're no longer able to compete with other nations who have better and cheaper access to the Internet. Clark would love to hear from a Comcast spokesperson who wants to come on the show and explain the company's ridiculous position.

There are some new technological developments that Clark is very excited about. Say, for example, you want hi-speed internet. If you call your phone company to get it, you'll find out that you must purchase a landline as a prerequisite. The phone monopolies think they're smart pushing obsolete landline technology on consumers who want modern DSL. But the phone companies are just outsmarting themselves. When younger customers seek DSL, they don't even think about installing a phone line. They simply go through their cable companies and sidestep companies like AT&T and Verizon completely. So AT&T is now experimenting with offering what's called naked DSL that stands alone without having the requirement of a landline.

The Chicago Tribune reports AT&T will roll out a naked DSL trial service -- priced between $20 and $24 -- in Chicago; Austin, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida. If it succeeds, look for it in other markets soon. Meanwhile, if you're a former Bell South (now AT&T) customer, you'll be eligible for naked DSL by December at the latest. That's as per a contractual agreement between the two companies. On another technological front, The New York Times reports that Time Warner is going to offer free DVRs in South Carolina that allow you to watch TV when you want -- only you can't skip the commercials like you would on TiVo. It's like renting your eyeballs, so to speak, to advertisers in return for free DVR service. Will this business model survive in the marketplace? Only time will tell.

Sunrocket, the internet phone service provider, is dead. People really let Clark have it on the Clark Stinks board for recommending them. Clark believed in them, but he lost money too when they suddenly folded. After a few days Sunrocket put up some referrals to new companies that will take on their former customers , but even with these referrals, it's risky. You just can't predict how long a company will stay in business. A lot of people are choosing to run for safe cover: the cable company. The problem is, internet phone service from cable is almost twice as expensive as the smaller start-ups. There's a new company called Ooma who are selling internet phone service for life for $399. But who knows how they're going to do down the road. Currently, Clark uses a service owned by Ebay called Skype, which costs $29 for an entire year of unlimited local and long distance. It's not as easy to use as Sunrocket, but they're backed by a big company.

There's another company called Grand Central that's getting some big backing from Google. This is for people who have several phones--a land line, a business line, a cell phone, etc. This service gives you one number, which rings all your lines at once, so you are always reachable. You can also hear the voice mail in real time, as it's being recorded so you can decide if you want to "pick up" or not. And the voice mail goes to one inbox. This will make life much simpler for those who like to stay reachable!

Here on the show we always give out free advice to you, the consumer. But did you know that we also get it back from our dedicated listeners? After receiving a tip from one such person, we've put up a list of FREE software that you can download from the internet. It's divided into dozens of areas of interest, so you can surf around easily to get software, books, games, free conference calling and so much more. While the quality of stuff that's free is all over the board, you can rest assured that none of it will cost you one thin dime. Bookmark the page...it just may come in handy.

AT&T has done something unethical. When they took over Bellsouth, as part of the deal they were forced to offer an inexpensive plan as one option. They did, offering a slower (768k) DSL connection at $10 per month. It's a great deal. But they hide the link to this service on the website, making it almost impossible to find if you don't know where to look! Well, Clark thinks this stinks, and wants you to know how to find the deal. Here's how:
This direct link will show you all the details:
http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=7690#10_basic
Or, navigate to it this way:

• Go to att.com
  
• Click "View Internet services"
  
• Scroll down page, and just above Terms and Conditions look for the text link that says "Term contract plans available"
  
• See "FastAccess DSL Lite with term agreement" and follow the instructions from there!

Competition is the greatest thing for the consumer. Monopolies cost way too much money for consumers and provide horrible service as well because of the lack of competitors. Clearwire is a great alternative internet provide that offers high speed wireless internet that bounces off of cell phone towers. They have over 2 dozen cities that they currently provide service for. Their customer base is up 160% year over year as well. When you purchase Clearwire, it takes all of about 15 seconds to install as well. Their goal is to cover about half of the United States in the next few years. Clearwire, in the cities that it exists in, provides that key third competitor to help drive prices down. Sprint is also rolling out a service that basically does what Clearwire does, so some cities could even see four competitors which could make internet prices lower in a hurry. (Editor's note: Some users have reported negative experiences with Clearwire.)

If you are an AOL customer and you’re trying to ditch the service, positive changes are coming your way. The company is making it possible to keep your AOL address without paying them anymore. AOL has realized that it’s losing market share by charging for overpriced dial-up. So, the company is starting a Yahoo-like format, which is more of a portal. People go there to get all kinds of information. AOL’s Instant Messenger program is also having difficulty because the other two main services – MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger – will soon be interoperable. You are going to have to ask to be switched to the free service, but it is supposed to happen in the next two months. So, get on it!

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In other techie news, you can now get 15 months of VOIP from SunRocket for $199. That includes unlimited long distance calls in the U.S. and Canada and all of the enhanced voicemail and caller ID features. That equals out to a little more than $13 a month. If you need to call overseas, you can get unlimited calling to 30 countries for $299 a year. Another company, Skype, is offering free unlimited calling through the end of the year. So, there are some serious deals out there for you in this industry.

You may be getting a great deal on high-speed Internet access, but how long will that last? These companies are charging us way too much for access. Clark tells you how to get a deal from these companies. Listen up! Just remember to click on the link only once and disable your pop-up blocker by holding down your Control key.

Lots of Web users are surfing with high-speed connections these days. Dial-up is going the way of the Do-Do bird. As a result, AOL is now offering content for free. People have been abandoning the company because it costs so much to subscribe. So, the company is catching on and offering a Yahoo-type experience with portals and free content. The company is also offering free e-mail through its Instant Messenger site, aim.com. So, get your free account today. In other Net news, a third player is sneaking into the game. “Wireless Mesh” and “Wi-Max” are a few of the names used for this service. For the next 18 months or so, the two monopoly industries – cable and telephone – are going to dominate and gouge us. But after that, wireless will be available and it will bring the prices down.

Clark has been thinking of changing his high-speed Internet service because it’s getting so expensive. For most people it’s a two horse race, and Clark is one of those folks. Right now, it’s either the local monopoly phone company or the local monopoly cable company. Recently, the phone company cut the rates and he was about to switch, but he decided to call his current company first to see if they would offer him a better deal. He’s currently paying about $43 a month, which is outrageous. When he told the “customer retention specialist” that he was about to cancel, she offered him three months for $9.99 a month. She told him to call back again in 90 days to see if he could get the same deal. He was so excited about saving $100 in a four minute phone call that he told everyone. Then his Smart Money magazine arrived and knocked him down a notch. The issue, which is about saving on cable and Internet service, says not to take any three-month offers and to keep fighting for more. The reporter was able to get a discount on service for an entire year! Phone companies are also reducing costs, so you may want to consider switching companies all together, as Clark was about to do. Also, if you can, cut your home phone line to the minimum line cost. You don’t use it much anyway, thanks to cell phones, and you can usually get it down to between $17 and $20 a month total. Also, consider scaling back your cable or satellite service. Get just the broadcast channels. You may also be paying way too much for your cell phone service. Now that you can take your number with you, consider switching to Metro PCS or Cricket. They offer unlimited calling in your local area for one low price.

Who gets the spoils where you work? Is it the boss and executives, or is it the employees? The current drift in corporate America is that execs get huge bonuses while employees get coupons for a turkey or ham. Compensation packages for the corporate execs are growing while those for employees are shrinking. But that is not happening everywhere. The men who created Google are very focused on making sure the employees get rewarded whenever possible. The owners are worth about $7 billion, but, when it was time to hand out bonuses, they made sure that they received the same amount as everyone else - $1,566. Companies that romance their workers are more successful. It’s been proven, so make sure you’re treating your employees right.

There has been a shift on the Internet when it comes to search engines and the results people get these days. A research project by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that Americans assume that the results are always legitimate. But they are not. The listings at the top of the page usually have in tiny type, “sponsored sites,” or they have a different color background than the rest of the page. Turns out that only about 20 percent of people know that those listings not legitimate. That doesn’t mean the companies or listings are not real; it just means that the company paid to be at the top of the listings. So, look for advertisements and read through several links/sites before believing anything.

Clark has been reading about a new search engine that supposedly outperforms Google. That may be hard to believe, but clusty.com may have done it. Clark’s executive producer, Christa, has been testing the engine and she loves the way the site finds information and categorizes it. She said it may not be as thorough as Google, but it’s a good place to “filter” your results. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, go to Google next. Clusty is in the beta stage right now, but let us know what you think.

More and more Americans are signing up for high speed Internet access, which is great. But there is also an increased risk that someone will be able to get into your computer and change passwords or view your accounts. It can’t really happen with dial-up connections, but it’s a constant threat with high-speed access. According to abcnews.com, two out of three Internet users have no firewall system. A firewall is basically a software package that protects other people from hacking into your system. So, if you’re asking what a firewall is, you probably don’t have one. Check out the programs available on our Firewall Protection page and download one of them. Even if your ISP claims to offer firewall protection, you probably want to add your own as well.

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In other Internet news, Comcast has limited the amount of time customers can spend online but it has chosen a very strange and unprofessional way to let customers know. Comcast used to advertise “unlimited use” for its customers, but now customers are limited to “acceptable use.” That would normally be fine, but Comcast does not define what “acceptable use” means. So, some Comcast customers are getting letters in the mail, saying they are spending too much time online. The company can then arbitrarily cut you off without explanation. So, if you get a letter, fire Comcast and switch companies immediately.

For the past two years, Clark has repeatedly and unmercifully made fun of AOL. The company has been charging people $24 a month and up for Internet service, and it’s really ruined their business. AOL has finally realized that its prices are just too high. So, it has started a cheaper service known as AOL Netscape that costs $9.99 a month. AOL now owns Netscape, a familiar name for many, so the company decided to keep it. They will be advertising it as a separate company, but you should know that AOL runs the service. Questions have come up about whether you would be able to keep your AOL address if you switch to Netscape. And, the latest word is that you will not be able to keep the address unless you sign up for AOL’s “Account Hold Plan,” which costs $2.95 a month. Read more about it by clicking here. So, you will pay about $13 total for both. But you will still save about $120 a year with this program, regardless of whether you hold your e-mail or not. You can usually migrate people to your new e-mail address in about 90 days. And it’s a good idea to stick with one of the free Internet services, like Yahoo or Hotmail, because you don’t have to worry about switching addresses.

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So, what if you have cable through one company, Internet through another and phone service through a third? It can get pretty confusing. But the good news is that a new alternative is coming. Verizon, the wireless provider, has been testing a new high-speed wireless network service in certain cities. You can pop open your computer and have an instant connection to the Internet at very good speeds. Verizon is going to roll it out across the country over the next 18 months. They are charging $79 a month right now, which Clark thinks is a bit much. He says $59 would be more reasonable. Other competitors in the cell phone market will probably follow in Verizon’s footsteps, so the price is sure to go down.