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Flashfiber Data Services Agreement

Updated 5/30/23

This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) describes certain terms under which JWEMC Communications, LLC (dba “FlashFiber”), in conjunction with its parent company, Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation (“JWEMC”), will provide fiber-optic broadband services (the “Service”) to you (“Subscriber”). By accepting service from JWEMC Communications, LLC d/b/a FlashFiber, you agree to these terms and conditions and agree to be legally bound.

  1. Terms of Service and Compliance. Subscriber agrees to comply with all terms contained within this agreement and any revised Agreement and to comply with FlashFiber’s policies, rules, and price schedules related to the service. This agreement, along with FlashFiber’s policies, rules, and price schedules, is collectively referred to herein as the “Terms of Service.” The Terms of Service constitute a binding contract between the Subscriber and FlashFiber. The Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that the Terms of Service may change from time to time following notice of such change and will remain contractually binding. The Subscriber’s signing of the Participation Form at the time service is requested and use of the service shall be deemed acknowledgment that the Subscriber has read and agreed to all the Terms of Service, including this Agreement.
  2. Ownership of the Service Location. The Subscriber represents that it lawfully owns the service location at which the Subscriber is to receive the service (the “Service Location) or that the Subscriber has the legal right and permission of such owner(s) to enter this agreement.
  3. Billing and Payment. The Subscriber agrees to pay all current and future rates, fees, deposits, and other charges related to the service, including installation fees (if applicable) covering non-standard installation for one data connection, one phone line (if applicable), and Wi-Fi extenders (if applicable).

The Subscriber agrees that failure to pay all rates, fees, and charges may result in termination of Service and FlashFiber’s immediate collection of all amounts owed. The installation fee (if applicable) is due upon scheduling the installation. The first bill will include the upcoming month’s service plus the prorated amount for the bill for the month of installation. The billing period covers the first day through the last day of the billing period. The billing period will be clearly displayed/stated on each monthly bill. If any portion of your bill is not paid by the due date, your FlashFiber account will be put into a “soft disconnect” mode, rendering all services unusable except for the ability to log into your FlashFiber account to pay. Should this happen, a $5 reconnect fee will be charged in addition to any past due amount to reinstate Service. If payment is not made within five (5) days following a “soft disconnect,” your FlashFiber account will be disconnected for non-payment. A $25 fee will be charged to reconnect accounts disconnected for non-payment. This charge will be in addition to any past-due amount. If the Service is not reconnected, the Router/Gateway, if any, and Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”) on the Subscriber’s premises remain the property of FlashFiber and must be returned to FlashFiber upon disconnection of service within seven (7) days of disconnection, in accordance with paragraph 9 hereof.

The Subscriber agrees that all bills will be provided via email. It is the Subscriber’s responsibility to keep email addresses and contact information up to date to receive bills in a timely manner. Should the Subscriber wish to receive a paper bill, there will be a $2 service charge added to the bill.

  1. Term of Agreement and Termination by Residential and Small Commercial Subscriber. This agreement is for no fixed term, and Subscriber can cancel service at any time. The Router/Gateway, if any, and Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”) on the Subscriber’s premises remain the property of FlashFiber and must be returned to FlashFiber within seven (7) days of service cancellation or discontinuation of service in accordance with paragraph 9 hereof.

The determination of whether a subscriber is a Residential or a Commercial/Enterprise subscriber shall be solely within the discretion of FlashFiber. Said determination may be made based upon the location of the Service, the nature and character of the Service requirements or the volume of internet activity requested or used.

Determining factors used to differentiate a Residential service from a Commercial or Enterprise Service include, but are not limited to:

The service address:

  • Cannot be located in a commercially zoned structure.
  • Cannot be the worksite for a business where employees report to work (meaning people who do not live there show up to work there).
  • Cannot be hosting network traffic in excess of a typical/average residential service.
  • Should not have any power meter/rate type other than Residential.

 

Should FlashFiber determine a service is in violation of our residential usage requirements, the Subscriber will be notified of the violation and moved to the appropriate enterprise level of service going forward.

  1. Term of Agreement and Termination by Business Enterprise Subscriber. This agreement is for a 36-month term as outlined in the contract for service. Unless otherwise stated in the contract for service, the Router/Gateway, wireless extender(s), if any, Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”), and any other provided and installed equipment on the Subscriber’s premises remain the property of FlashFiber and must be returned to FlashFiber upon cancellation or discontinuation of service in accordance with paragraph 10 hereof.
  2. Termination by JWEMC Communications, LLC/FlashFiber. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, FLASHFIBER may terminate or decline to provide Service to Subscriber at any time for convenience, for non-payment, or for any other breach of the Terms of Service. The Router/Gateway, if any, and Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”) on the Subscriber’s premises remain the property of FlashFiber and JWEMC Communications, respectively, and must be returned to FlashFiber upon cancellation or discontinuation of service in accordance with paragraph 10 hereof.
  3. Compliance with Applicable Laws. Subscriber agrees not to use the service in a way prohibited by the Terms of Service or by local, state, or federal law, including but not limited to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property laws. Upon notice of a violation of applicable laws, FlashFiber reserves the right to take appropriate action to bring the Subscriber into compliance, including, but not limited to, an immediate and permanent disconnection from the service.
  4. Grant of Easement. As a condition of receiving service, and without financial compensation, Subscriber grants to FlashFiber and JWEMC (or, at FlashFiber’s direction, to a third party) a perpetual electric and commercial communications easement on and through the Service Location to provide electric, data, and (if applicable) voice services on wire, transport fiber, distribution fiber and service extension fiber, if applicable, for service to both the Subscriber and to other subscribers, and to perform necessary maintenance, service upgrades, and periodic right-of-way maintenance. If the electric utility facilities cross the Service Location, these easements will generally, but are not required to, follow those facilities.
  5. Installation Process. FlashFiber will use best practices when installing a fiber service drop to the Subscriber’s premises. It shall be the Subscriber’s responsibility to notify FlashFiber if a desired route is requested. No one is required to be present for the service drop installation, so prior notification of this step will not be provided unless an issue is encountered. It is also the responsibility of the Subscriber to notify FlashFiber of the existence and identify any underground impediment or equipment (i.e., sprinklers, underground pet fences, etc.) that are present or installed on the Subscriber’s premises. FlashFiber shall assume no responsibility for underground obstructions for which no notice is given.

After the drop service has been installed, a FlashFiber representative will contact the Subscriber to schedule the installation, and an adult over 18 years of age will be required to be present for the remaining entirety of the installation process. Proper installation may require drilling through interior and/or exterior walls in order to run wire and installing outside and interior equipment, and you hereby authorize FlashFiber to do so and release it from liability related to the same.

  1. Service Level Guarantees. The Subscriber understands and agrees that bandwidth and speed capabilities fluctuate based on a number of factors present on the system and that the Subscriber’s chosen speed represents a target within a range and speed offerings that are descriptive in nature. FlashFiber does not guarantee that any amount of bandwidth on the service will be made available to the Subscriber or that any speed or throughput of the Subscriber’s connection to the service will be available to the Subscriber at all times. The service is subject to both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance outages; however, FlashFiber will work to minimize the impact of scheduled maintenance outages. The Subscriber understands that the service requires electricity at the Service Location and, if an electrical outage occurs, the service (which may include telephone) will not function.

The Subscriber’s FlashFiber connection is provided by a 10-Gigabit-capable Symmetric Passive Optical Network,

(XGS-PON) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which is powered by plugging it into an electrical wall outlet. In the event of an electrical outage, the Router/Gateway will not receive power. If this were to happen, the Subscriber’s phone service, including any medical or security alert systems, like E911, will not be available to the Subscriber unless the ONT and phone are powered by an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). If the Subscriber has a medical alert system or security equipment, they are strongly encouraged to utilize and maintain a battery backup. It is the responsibility of the Subscriber to provide, maintain, monitor, and/or replace the battery backup.

  1. FlashFiber Equipment and Software. FlashFiber’s equipment is designed to be used on the premises on which the service is installed. The equipment that FlashFiber installs in your home or business is the property of FlashFiber and JWEMC Communications, LLC. In the event the Subscriber relocates, or if the service is disconnected or terminated for any reason, the Subscriber must return the Router/Gateway, the Optical Network Terminal (“ONT”), and, if applicable, any wireless extender(s) or other equipment to the FlashFiber office within seven (7) days of disconnection. If the units are not returned, the recovery fee (equal to the full cost of replacement) will be assessed to cover the cost of such equipment. The Subscriber assumes the risk of loss, theft, or damage to the equipment at all times prior to the removal of the units by FlashFiber or the return of the units by the Subscriber.
  2. Subscriber Equipment. The Subscriber is responsible for maintaining the wiring and all other applicable devices which the Service Location needs to utilize the service. The Subscriber is responsible for meeting and complying with the minimum computer, device, and system requirements established by FLASHFIBER and contained herein.

If the Subscribers are using their own FlashFiber-approved Wi-Fi router, the Subscriber will be responsible for the Wi-Fi network. FlashFiber will only provide support for the ONT and will not provide Wi-Fi technical support in this application. If a FlashFiber technician is sent to the Subscriber’s home or business and the problem was caused by the Subscriber’s Wi-Fi equipment, then a service charge will be applied to the Subscriber’s account. At the time of signing this agreement, the Service Charge is $100. The Service Charge is subject to change based on prevailing rates and conditions.

  1. Residential Reconnect Fee: Subscribers shall not be charged a connection fee for the first connection to a location. Should a subscriber disconnect and reconnect a service, any subsequent connection visits by a FlashFiber technician will incur a reconnection fee of $75 per visit.
  2. Technical Support. Unless otherwise provided by the Terms of Service, FlashFiber does not provide technical support or assistance with third-party hardware or software.
  3. JWEMC Network. The Subscriber agrees and understands that FlashFiber and JWEMC may utilize the wireless component in the ONT or Router/Gateway in order to extend the coverage of a private network for internal or external use independent of the Subscriber’s network or services. Furthermore, the Subscriber understands that JWEMC, being the owner of the fiber network up to and including the equipment on the side of the building, reserves the right to use this fiber connection for electric purposes as needed.
  4. Limitation of Liability. The Subscriber agrees that in the event of a loss of service due to defective software or equipment provided by FlashFiber, the Subscriber’s sole remedy shall be receipt of credit to Subscriber’s account in the amount of up to one month’s charge for the service based roughly on the outage time as a prorating factor, and to have FlashFiber replace or repair any such defective software or equipment provided by FlashFiber. Except as expressly stated in the preceding sentence, FlashFiber, its officers, operating managers, owners, parent company, employees, affiliates and agents (“FlashFiber Parties”) will not be liable for any interruptions in service or the effects therefrom or liable for any delay or failure to perform, nor for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages that arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the Service provided hereunder, including without limitation business interruption, lost profits, computer failure or malfunction, any damages for loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions. In no event shall the FlashFiber Parties have any liability for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages relating to the equipment or resulting from FLASHFIBER furnishing or failing to furnish any services or equipment to the Subscriber or from any fault, failure, deficiency, or defect in services or equipment furnished to the Subscriber.
  5. No warranty. FlashFiber does not warrant constant speed or bandwidth or uninterrupted use of the service, nor does it warrant that the service will be error-free or free of any viruses, worms, malware, spam, pop- up advertising, spyware, adware, denial, of service attacks or other harmful components. FlashFiber does not warrant that any data or files the subscriber send or receives via the service will be transmitted in uncorrupted form, within a reasonable time, or free from unauthorized access by others or that other users will be unable to gain access to the subscriber’s information. The service and FlashFiber equipment are provided on an “as-is” basis and without warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service, equipment, and software FlashFiber provides, and FlashFiber expressly disclaims any express or implied warranty of title, Merchantability, non-infringement, or fitness for a particular purpose regarding the FlashFiber equipment, software or any service furnished to the subscriber, all of which warranties are expressly excluded.
  6. Indemnity. The Subscriber shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless FlashFiber and JWEMC, along with their directors, officers, employees, affiliates, and agents, from and against any third-party claims, damages, losses, attorney’s fees, and expenses relating to or arising from the Subscriber’s breach of the Terms of Service or negligent or criminal acts in regard to the use of Services contemplated hereunder.
  7. Successors and Assigns. FlashFiber’s rights and obligations under this agreement shall accrue to and ensure the benefit of FlashFiber’s corporate parent, affiliates, successors, and assigns. The Subscriber may not sell, transfer, or assign this agreement to a third party without FlashFiber’s prior written consent.
  8. Jurisdiction. The Subscriber agrees that exclusive jurisdiction for any claim or dispute with FlashFiber or JWEMC relating to this agreement or any other Terms of Service shall be in the courts of Alabama and that this agreement shall be governed by Alabama law. If legal action is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this agreement or compel performance thereof, the substantially prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
  9. Consent to Communications. The Subscriber consents to receive communications from FLASHFIBER relating to the service by any commercially reasonable method, including regular U.S. mail, email, text messages, and phone calls. The Subscriber may opt-out of any non-emergency or non-billing communications by contacting the FlashFiber office.
  10. Security. The Subscriber agrees that using the service presents certain security risks that may enable other Internet users to gain access to or use of Subscriber’s equipment or information. The Subscriber is solely responsible for taking all appropriate security measures when using the service and agrees that neither FlashFiber nor JWEMC, nor their officers, employees, affiliates or agents, shall be responsible for security or information breaches. The Subscriber agrees that FlashFiber may block traffic to and from any source, including, without limitation, the deletion of any electronic mail, as it deems necessary to secure its network and/or eliminate spam.
  11. Amendment of Terms of Service. FlashFiber reserves the right to modify the Terms of Service at any time by posting changes online at www.jwflash.com The Subscriber’s continued use of the service following online notice of such modification shall be deemed to be the Subscriber’s acceptance of any such modification. If the Subscriber does not agree to any modification of the Terms of Service, the Subscriber must immediately cease using the service and notify FlashFiber that the Subscriber is terminating the service.
  12. Entire Agreement. The Terms of Service are the only terms and conditions that govern the service. No undertaking, representation or warranty made by any agent or representative of FlashFiber or JWEMC in connection with the sale, installation, maintenance or removal of the service shall modify or amend the Terms of Service.
  13. COVID-19 Waiver. Whereas. Subscriber desires to have internet services installed in his/her/their/its home or business (the “Installation”) provided by JWEMC, an Alabama electric membership corporation, JWEMC Comminutions, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company d/b/a FlashFiber, and/or other third party independent contractors working with Cooperative Connections (collectively the “Installers”).

Whereas, Subscriber is aware of and acknowledges health risks are associated and any human contact and that there exists a current worldwide pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus and that the Centers for Disease Control have issued recommendations and guidelines relative to said COVID-19 virus, including guidelines regarding individuals coming into contact with each other. Subscriber understands the risks inherent in having Installers complete the Installation in Subscriber’s home or business, including, but not limited to the risk of contact between Subscriber and Installers, and nevertheless desires to have Installers complete such installation.

Now therefore, in exchange for the Installers agreeing to perform the installation and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Subscriber hereby covenants and agrees as follows.

Subscriber is aware and understands that the installation may involve employees, agents, contractors, and/or technicians of installers entering into the Subscriber’s dwelling or place of business and coming into contact with the Subscriber or other persons therein. Subscriber is aware and understands that the installation may involve the risk of exposure of Subscriber and other persons at Subscriber’s dwelling or business to pathogens and that such exposure may result in serious injury and/or death. Having Knowledge of the potential risks involved, Subscriber voluntarily requests that the installers proceed with the installation, and Subscriber hereby agrees to accept and assume any and all risks of injury, illness, or death related to contraction of the all pathogens, including the COVID-19 virus, and to hold installers harmless from the same, whether caused by the negligence of the installers or otherwise.

  1. General Release: Subscriber hereby waives and releases any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, against each of the Installers, and their officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, members, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasees”), on account of injury, illness, death, or property damage arising out of, related to, incident to or attributable to the installation or coming into contact with the Installers or Releasees, whether arising out of the negligence of the Installers or any Releasees or otherwise. Subscriber covenants forever not to make or bring any claim, demand, action, cause of action or suit of any kind or nature against any of the Installers or any other Releasee arising out of, related to or incident to the installation or coming into contact with the Installers or Releasees, and forever releases and discharges each of the Installers and all other Releasees from liability under such claims. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Installers would not perform the Installation without Subscriber executing this agreement and that Subscriber has not been pressured to enter into this agreement. Subscriber shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless each of the Installers and all other Releasees against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorney fees, fees and the costs of enforcing any right to indemnification under this agreement, arising out or resulting from any claim of a third party related to the installation.

This agreement constitutes the sole and entire Agreement of the Subscriber with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. If any term or provision of this agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this agreement. This agreement is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Installers and Subscriber and their respective successors and assigns. All matters arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule. Any claim or cause of action arising under this agreement may be brought only in the state court located in Lawrence County, Alabama and Subscriber hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.