Privacy Policy
UPDATED JUNE 2024
The information and privacy of the Subscriber is important to the Subscriber and MSEC Communications, LLC, d/b/a MidSouth Fiber Internet, and/or by any and all other assumed names (collectively, “MidSouth Fiber”). This MidSouth Fiber Privacy Policy (herein referred to as “Policy”) explains how MidSouth Fiber uses Subscriber’s information and how MidSouth Fiber protects such information.
MidSouth Fiber has created its website (“Website”) and its MidSouth Fiber Internet mobile app (“Mobile App”) to provide an online platform (“Platform”) (collectively “Services”) for providing information and features about the broadband services offered.
PLEASE READ THIS PRIVACY POLICY CAREFULLY. A SUBSCRIBER’S CONSENT TO THE TERMS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY CREATES LEGAL OBLIGATIONS FOR THE SUBSCRIBER AND MIDSOUTH FIBER. IF A SUBSCRIBER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY, THE SUBSCRIBER MUST REFRAIN FROM USING MIDSOUTH FIBER’S WEBSITE, PLATFORM, AND MOBILE APPLICATION.
DEFINED TERMS
Capitalized terms in this Policy are as defined in the MidSouth Fiber Terms and Conditions, unless otherwise expressly defined herein.
SUBSCRIBER CONSENT
By using any of the Services, the Subscriber agrees to this Privacy Policy and consents to the collection and use of information and/or data contemplated hereby. If the Subscriber does not consent to the terms herein, they are not to use the Services. This is MidSouth Fiber’s entire and exclusive Privacy Policy, and it supersedes any earlier version.
ACCESSING, CORRECTING AND/OR DELETING INFORMATION
At any time, a Subscriber can withdraw consent, review their contact information, correct their contact information, and/or delete their information by using one of the following methods:
• MidSouth Fiber Mobile App: Settings page
• Website: https://mybroadbandaccount.com/MidSouthFiber/
• Email: hello@midsouthfiber.com
• Phone: (936) 825-5100
If a Subscriber deletes their Mobile App account in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, their information will be deleted within 30 days of the deletion of such account or within such other timeline as may be mandated by applicable law. The Subscriber will no longer be able to access the Mobile App once the account is deleted.
WHEN THIS POLICY APPLIES
This Policy applies to the information MidSouth Fiber collects when Subscriber uses the Service(s) that link to such information. This Policy also applies to the information MidSouth Fiber collects about Subscriber from third parties. This Policy does not apply to non-MidSouth Fiber Service(s).
Here are a few special circumstances where this Policy may not apply, or may apply in addition to other policies:
• In certain cases, when Subscriber is using the Service(s), other companies may be collecting information, so that Subscriber’s information may be covered by this Policy and other privacy policies at the same time. Here are some examples: if Subscriber uses the Service(s) to connect to a social networking service; or if Subscriber provides Subscriber’s information to another company through a co-branded website, app or service controlled by the other company. In those cases, any information Subscriber provides to those companies may be subject to just policies of those companies, or subject to both the policies of those companies and this Policy.
• If Subscriber is a MidSouth Fiber business customer, MidSouth Fiber may have written product or service agreements that contain specific provisions about confidentiality, security, or handling of information. When one of those agreements differs from or conflicts with this Policy, the terms of those agreements shall control.
• Because this Policy describes the privacy practices for all Service(s), some parts may not apply to Subscriber. For example, if Subscriber does not subscribe to MidSouth Fiber Telephone Service (a/r/a Phone Service), MidSouth Fiber will not collect call detail information.
INFORMATION MIDSOUTH FIBER COLLECTS
A. Information Subscriber Provides
• MidSouth Fiber collects information that the Subscriber provides when Subscriber signs up for Service(s), make changes to Subscriber’s account, or otherwise directly contacts or communicates with MidSouth Fiber. This may include the Subscriber’s name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, Social Security Number, e-mail address, birthdate, and payment information, etc. Information may also be maintained on records containing information obtained through interviews or surveys the Subscriber voluntarily participates in.
• This information personally identifies the Subscriber and is referred to as Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”).
B. Information Automatically Collected
• MidSouth Fiber automatically obtains information when Subscriber uses, or Subscriber’s devices use the Service(s). For example, MidSouth Fiber uses network tools to collect information about performance and Wi-Fi signal to Subscriber’s devices.
• MidSouth Fiber may also automatically receive and record information on its server logs from the Subscriber’s browser, which could include IP addresses, cookie information, browser information, and the page(s) the Subscriber requested on MidSouth Fiber’s Website or Platform in order to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support, and other Services provided.
• Information automatically collected by using the Services is not deemed by MidSouth Fiber to constitute PII, and while MidSouth Fiber will not use it in a way that associates such information with the Subscriber, such information may be aggregated and used to improve the Services. MidSouth Fiber owns this information and may use it in any manner it deems appropriate.
C. Information from Third Parties
• MidSouth Fiber gets information from outside sources such as credit reports, marketing mailing lists, and commercially available geographic and demographic information, along with other available information, such as public posts to social media sites.
• If a Subscriber rents their residence, a record of whether the landlord’s permission was required to install MidSouth Fiber Services, including the landlord’s name and contact information.
• If Subscriber allows third parties to use Subscriber’s MidSouth Fiber accounts or Service(s), MidSouth Fiber will also collect personal information about those individuals. If a user is not a MidSouth Fiber customer but uses MidSouth Fiber Service(s) through Subscriber’s account, MidSouth Fiber will collect information about that user, but that information may not identify who that user is to MidSouth Fiber. MidSouth Fiber may also collect information about that user from third parties.
Below are detailed examples of information MidSouth Fiber collects from the Service(s):
• “Account Information” includes contact and billing information, service-related details and history and similar information, including Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”). It also includes technical, equipment and usage information that relate to the services, products, websites, and networks MidSouth Fiber provides to Subscriber.
• “Web Browsing” includes websites Subscriber visits, internet protocol addresses, URLs, and Cookies, as hereinafter defined. MidSouth Fiber may use Cookies to collect information about Subscriber’s internet usage. A “Cookie” is a small computer file that is placed on a Subscriber’s computer by MidSouth Fiber, a vendor that allows MidSouth Fiber, or the vendor itself to collect information about Subscriber’s web browsing history.
• “Equipment Information” includes information that identifies or relates to equipment on MidSouth Fiber’s networks, such as type, identifier, status, settings, configuration, software, or use.
• “Network Performance and Usage Information” includes information about MidSouth Fiber’s networks, including Subscriber’s use of Service(s) or equipment on the networks, and how each is performing.
• “Location Information” includes Subscriber’s street address, ZIP code and where Subscriber’s device is located.
• “TV and Video Viewing Information” is generated when Subscriber uses MidSouth Fiber video services, such as apps or internet protocol television services. MidSouth Fiber gets information from the technologies Subscriber uses to watch TV or video. These services may also include video on demand, pay-per-view, streaming service, interactive services and games, DVR services, TV apps for a tablet or smartphone and similar services and products. If Subscriber is watching TV or video through a web browser or app, MidSouth Fiber may also collect information as described above in the web browsing and app information section. MidSouth Fiber also collects information related to Subscriber’s use and interaction with the equipment in Subscriber’s home including the set top boxes, remotes and other devices Subscriber may use to access the Service(s).
• Installation and use of MidSouth Fiber applications (“App”) through mobile marketplaces (i.e., Apple App Store or Google Play Store) may collect and process information provided directly by Subscriber when Subscriber installs the App and registers for an account to use the App. This information may include, but is not limited to, Subscriber’s name, email address, location, Subscriber’s phone or contact book data, password/pin, preferred language, MidSouth Account number, Subscriber’s inventory of installed apps, and/or Subscriber’s screen recordings. MidSouth Fiber may also gain access to browser information and session Cookies related to Subscriber’s use of and access to the App. Data insights MidSouth Fiber attains based on correlation and analytics of Subscriber’s information collected in providing the App, which may be used in aggregated and dis-aggregated formats or to obtain trend analytics, to provide the App; and use of the aforementioned described collected information in aggregated and dis-aggregated formats to enhance MidSouth Fiber’s current App or to provide additional App features.
HOW MIDSOUTH FIBER USES AND SHARES SUBSCRIBER’S INFORMATION
MidSouth Fiber uses the information MidSouth Fiber collects to provide, manage, and improve the Service(s), bill and collect for services provided, and communicate with Subscriber. MidSouth Fiber also uses the information to improve the Service(s), develop new Service(s), give recommendations, deliver personalized marketing, advertising, surveys, and questionnaires for MidSouth Fiber’s own Service(s), investigate theft and other illegal activities, and to manage, repair, and ensure a secure online environment. MidSouth Fiber may offer a blog or other forum accessible through the Platform, Website, and/or Mobile App where Subscriber chooses voluntarily to participate in an online discussion or to provide online comments and use this information as feedback about Services.
MidSouth Fiber also uses the information collected by the App, including PII, to provide Subscriber with the App as described in this Policy; implement, improve, and/or enhance the App, including to make future releases available to Subscriber; carry out MidSouth Fiber obligations as described or authorized in the MidSouth Fiber Terms and Conditions, Acceptable Use Policy, and this Policy; enforce MidSouth Fiber rights arising from the MidSouth Fiber Terms and Conditions between Subscriber and MidSouth Fiber; and fulfill any other purpose authorized by Subscriber and reasonably required for the App. MidSouth Fiber shares Subscriber’s information as follows:
• Subscriber’s Permission o If a Subscriber “opts-in” under the rules regarding Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”), certain type of customer information may be shared. See below section on “CPNI”.
o Any comments or information Subscriber contributes to interactive services (blogs, social media sites, etc.) become public immediately and any PII disclosed by the Subscriber becomes available to the other participants involved in the interactive services. This Privacy Policy does not cover the information a Subscriber discloses in such public online forums.
o MidSouth Fiber may ask Subscribers to participate in surveys or questionnaires to provide feedback about Services or other related topics. If a Subscriber voluntarily participates, the information provided, including any PII, may be shared on social media or other interactive services.
• Affiliate Companies of MSEC Communications, LLC, including, but not limited to, Mid-South Electric Cooperative Association
Like many companies, MidSouth Fiber has some affiliates. MidSouth Fiber shares information that may identify Subscriber personally internally among affiliates of MSEC Communications, LLC, including, but not limited to, Mid-South Electric Cooperative Association. For information collected under this Policy, MidSouth Fiber requires the affiliates to protect the information consistent with this Policy.
• Third- Parties Connected to MidSouth Fiber for Purposes of Providing Service(s) o MidSouth Fiber may employ other companies to perform functions on its behalf, such as hosting or maintaining the MidSouth Fiber Platform, Website, or Mobile App, providing services related to MidSouth
Fiber’s operations, collecting information, responding to, and sending electronic mail, or other functions necessary to its business. PII may need to be shared with these companies (collectively, “Vendors”). Information shared with Vendors will only be that information necessary to perform their functions. o MidSouth Fiber does not sell information that identifies who Subscriber is to anyone. Although permitted by federal law, MidSouth Fiber does not disclose Subscriber’s name and address to non-governmental entities, such as charities or businesses, for marketing purposes of MidSouth Fiber.
• Required by Law or to Respond to Legal Process o If Subscriber uses the MidSouth Fiber Telephone Service (a/r/a “Phone Service”), MidSouth Fiber will disclose Subscriber’s name and contact information to public safety authorities such as 911/E911 and related emergency services.
o MidSouth Fiber will reveal a Subscriber’s PII to the extent it reasonably believes is required to do so by law. If MidSouth Fiber receives legal process calling for the disclosure of Subscriber’s PII, MidSouth Fiber will attempt to notify the Subscriber via the e-mail address on record within a reasonable amount of time before MidSouth Fiber responds to the request, unless such notification is not permitted.
• Directory Services, Assistance, and Caller ID
o Subscriber’s name, address, and telephone number may be sent to publishers to be printed in directories and posted in online directories. Once that information is printed or posted online, it is outside of MidSouth Fiber’s control and may be sorted or repackaged and made available again in different formats by anyone, including data aggregators, for a variety of purposes, including marketing. For a fee, Subscriber can choose to have a non-published number, which means that MidSouth Fiber will not provide Subscriber’s name, address, and telephone number for publishing in the phone book and online directories.
o MidSouth Fiber may also make Subscriber’s number, name, and address available to directory assistance (411) providers. For a separate fee from the non-published number fee, MidSouth Fiber will not make Subscriber’s number available through directory assistance. MidSouth Fiber may still share Subscriber’s name and address with the 411 providers when specified by law (but the provider is not authorized to share Subscriber’s non-published number).
o Caller ID provides Subscriber’s name and telephone number to the person Subscriber is calling − even if Subscriber has a non-published number.
CPNI – Customer Proprietary Network Information
CPNI is information about a Subscriber’s VOIP Services from MidSouth Fiber, including what plans subscribed to, how these Services are used and details such as who the Subscriber has called. (Telephone number, name and address are not considered CPNI.) CPNI is used internally and shared outside MidSouth Fiber only when conforming with applicable regulations and orders of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
MidSouth Fiber does not share CPNI with anyone outside of the MidSouth Fiber Parties as defined in the MidSouth Fiber Internet Terms and Conditions or with authorized agents or vendors without the Subscriber’s consent, with the following authorized exceptions: Court orders; as authorized by law; fraud detection; to provide service(s) to the Subscriber and to route calls; for network operations and security; aggregate (grouped) information and information that doesn’t identify the Subscriber personally.
MidSouth Fiber may use a Subscriber’s CPNI internally. MidSouth Fiber may share information about its customers among the MidSouth Fiber Parties to offer new or enhanced services or promotions. MidSouth Fiber can also use a Subscriber’s CPNI for the purpose of turning it into aggregate data or information that does not personally identify the Subscriber.
It is the Subscriber’s right and MidSouth Fiber’s duty under federal law to protect the confidentiality of a Subscriber’s CPNI. If a Subscriber doesn’t want MidSouth Fiber to use their CPNI internally for things like offers, the Subscriber can call MidSouth Fiber at (936) 825-5100 and let a representative know they would like to “opt out”.
If a Subscriber chooses to restrict MidSouth Fiber’s use of their CPNI, it won’t affect their ability to use any services. A Subscriber can change their mind at any time about letting MidSouth Fiber use or not use their CPNI. If a Subscriber restricts their CPNI use, they may still get marketing from MidSouth Fiber, but it won’t be based on using the Subscriber’s CPNI.
RETENTION OF SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION
MidSouth Fiber keeps Subscriber’s personal information for different lengths of time depending on the type of information and the business and legal requirements. For example, if Subscriber is a customer, MidSouth Fiber keeps Subscriber’s personal information for as long as Subscriber subscribes to one or more of MidSouth Fiber Service(s). If Subscriber no longer subscribes to the Service(s), MidSouth Fiber still may need that information for business and legal requirements, such as to protect against fraud, calculate taxes, or respond to legal requests. MidSouth Fiber destroys, de-identifies, or anonymizes the information when it is no longer needed in identifiable form.
CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
MidSouth Fiber is committed to fully complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”). COPPA gives parents control over what information websites can collect from their kids. MidSouth Fiber recognizes that parents often subscribe to the Service(s) for family use, including use by minors. Any information collected from such usage will appear to be the PII of the actual Subscriber to the Service(s) and will be treated as such under this Policy. MidSouth Fiber does not knowingly, directly, or passively collect PII from children under the age of 13. If Subscriber believes Subscriber’s child may have provided MidSouth Fiber with PII, Subscriber can contact MidSouth Fiber and MidSouth Fiber will delete the information.
MidSouth Fiber’s Mobile App is not intended for children under 16 years of age, and it does not knowingly collect personal data of children under 16, without parental consent. If MidSouth and/or its third-party Mobile App vendor learns that personal data from a child under 16 has been obtained or received without verification of parental consent, that information will be deleted. If a Subscriber believes MidSouth might have any information from or about a child under 16, please notify MidSouth by emailing legal@midsouthfiber.com.
SECURITY
MidSouth Fiber uses a range of technological and organizational security controls, such as intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, firewalls, and encryption to secure information from accidental loss and from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure.
MidSouth Fiber maintains and protects the security of its own computer storage and network equipment and uses security procedures that require employees to authenticate themselves to access sensitive data.
MidSouth Fiber also limits access to personal information only to those employees with jobs requiring such access. MidSouth Fiber requires callers and online users to authenticate themselves before providing account information.
No security measures are perfect, however. MidSouth Fiber cannot guarantee that Subscriber’s information will never be disclosed in a manner inconsistent with this Policy. If a breach were to occur, MidSouth Fiber will notify Subscriber as required by applicable law.
The Subscriber controls access to their account and must keep login credentials and passwords secure, protected, and maintained as confidential. MidSouth is not responsible for any circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures provided.
POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS OF THE BUSINESS
If MidSouth Fiber enters into a potential or actual merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of the assets of MidSouth Fiber, then information about Subscriber and Subscriber’s subscription will, in most cases, be shared or transferred to the surviving entity as part of the transaction. This includes PII.
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
This Policy may be changed periodically, as applicable by law and as Service(s) provided by MidSouth Fiber change. A new version will be posted on MidSouth Fiber’s Website or through the Mobil App. It is the responsibility of the Subscriber to review this Policy periodically. A Subscriber’s continued use of the Website or Mobile App constitutes their agreement to this Privacy Policy, as amended from time to time.
CONTACT MIDSOUTH FIBER
Any questions about the accuracy, or disputes relating to access, of Subscriber’s personal information should be directed to MSEC Communications, LLC, d/b/a/ MidSouth Fiber Internet, P.O. Box 970, Navasota, TX 77868. Alternatively, Subscriber may call MidSouth Fiber Internet at (936) 825-5100 or by email to legal@midsouthfiber.com.