Network use
Acceptable Use Policy
Version 1.0 · Reviewed September 5, 2026We will revise this page when network policy changes materially.
Purpose
Community wireless works when neighbors share capacity fairly and hosts stay safe. This AUP protects residents, host sites, and the nonprofit’s ability to keep pilots running.
Who it applies to
Households, guest users, Digital Navigators on duty, host sites, and anyone using Connect Buffalo–operated radios, Wi‑Fi, backhaul, or related infrastructure during a pilot or successor program.
Permitted use
Ordinary residential and community uses—school, work, telehealth, entertainment, and civic participation—are welcome within fair capacity. Reselling Connect Buffalo access or turning a household link into a commercial ISP without written agreement is not permitted.
Prohibited use
- Illegal activity of any kind, including fraud, harassment, or exploitation.
- Attacks on networks or devices: scanning for compromise, DDoS, malware distribution, or unauthorized access.
- Spam, phishing, or high-volume unsolicited messaging that degrades shared capacity.
- Copyright infringement or trafficking in stolen credentials or payment data.
- Interfering with radio equipment, host-site access, or other households’ fair use.
- Using the network to operate open proxies or anonymization services that mask abuse at scale.
Fair use & capacity
Wireless neighborhoods share spectrum and backhaul. Sustained extreme usage that harms neighbors may be rate-limited or investigated. We prefer conversation and remediation over surprise disconnection whenever safety allows.
Security & privacy
Keep your own devices updated when possible. Do not attempt to intercept others’ traffic. Operational monitoring for outages and integrity is described at a high level in our Privacy Policy; we do not sell behavioral advertising profiles.
Enforcement
We may investigate credible reports, temporarily isolate equipment, require remediation, or suspend access for serious or repeated violations. Emergency threats to people or critical infrastructure may be referred to appropriate authorities.
Reporting
Report suspected abuse or harmful traffic via Support, Network status, or Contact. Include times, addresses or neighborhoods, and what you observed.
Changes
We may update this AUP as pilots mature. Material changes will be posted with a new effective date. Continued use of the network after changes means you accept the revised policy.
Need help, not a policy?
Support and Status are the right doors for outages and troubleshooting.