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Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

telecom.csail.mit.edu

21–30 of 486 posts

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#21

Even though this happened 25 years ago (sidenote, good God I'm getting old) it still made my blood boil. Makes you wonder how many people who weren't as proactive weren't as fortunate as to have the bogus charges dismissed.

It seems fairly tame to me, as far as historical injustices go.

Sure, I suppose just about anyone could shrug off having their life ruined by an unsubstantiated criminal charge by simply framing it in the context of genocide or thermonuclear war.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#22
post #20

Here in Australia, you would just need to call the TIO to get it sorted out. Likewise if financial institutions are stuffing you about, call ACMA. If it's an energy company, call Energy and Water. A perfect example of how the private sector cannot self regulate to the benefit of consumers simply because a profit motive exists. Every time I've made an ombudsman complaint I have received Good Service™ from the company…

It seems worth saying that in this instance a lot of the problem was that once it got into the hands of the prosecutors Comcast could not simply "just drop" the charges but only request that the state do so.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#24
"26 April 1999: I've been "slashdotted". " [1]

Wow, that brings back memories! I remember reading this article when it was posted to Slashdot because I had /just/ ordered @Home service.

Instead I went with DSL service with the phone company (forgetting the Ma' Bell branch at the time). The service never worked, it took 30 days of calling support, going through the script to get past Tier 1 (remove software, install software...etc), only to be put on hold for 30 minutes before getting dropped.

I finally went with @Home, which worked without going to jail.

The early days of broadband were an interesting time. It was a nice upgrade from ISDN or Dial-Up, though.

[1] - https://yro.slashdot.org/story/99/04/26/1229227/get-a-cable-...

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#25

I feel like this story could be titled “In Which a Smart Person Overestimates Their Competency With The Legal System” Always get a lawyer.

It does seem like it would have saved a lot of heartache to have just coughed up the money for an attorney but that in itself is unfair -- it's a significant enough expense and for some is likely to be out of reach altogether.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#26

I feel like this story could be titled “In Which a Smart Person Overestimates Their Competency With The Legal System” Always get a lawyer.

= always have $10,000+ liquid on hand in case you need to?

The article gives an estimate closer to $1000, which sounds likely in what sounds like a pretty straightforward case.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#27
post #6

Comcast/Xfinity is a criminal organization. Hasn't changed. Don't give the your money. When's the last time an honest, reputable business changed its name? I've seen name changes in restaurants, social networks, apartment buildings, duct cleaning scammers, and it's never for a good reason.

Yeah, just sign up with a different provider rather than the one that enjoys a monopoly over your home.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

= always have $10,000+ liquid on hand in case you need to?

The article gives an estimate closer to $1000, which sounds likely in what sounds like a pretty straightforward case.

That is hindsight bias. How much do you need for the typical defense?

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It seems fairly tame to me, as far as historical injustices go.

Sure, I suppose just about anyone could shrug off having their life ruined by an unsubstantiated criminal charge by simply framing it in the context of genocide or thermonuclear war.

Her life was hardly ruined. She just had to spend a few hours sorting out other peoples' mistakes, which is fairly routine in my experience.

Re: Get a cable modem, go to jail (1999)

#30

Holy moly blast from the past. I remember reading this on slashdot. Let's not all visit the site at the same time lest it get slashdotted!

It's all static content (and badly in need of refurbishment, which I will be responsible for) -- but, yes, please don't abuse the good folks at MIT's CSAIL who donate the hosting.
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