Privacy for Web Visitors

One can visit our Web site with complete privacy. A Web site visitor can choose to provide customer-specific information by ordering a product or service, sending us e-mail or registering on a company Web site. Any information provided by a Web site visitor is held strictly confidential by Vermont Telephone Company, Inc. or its authorized agent and will not be sold to any other organization or business.

Privacy for Internet Service Subscribers

VTel's affiliated Internet service - VTel Internet - collects information from Internet subscribers or users as necessary to provide Internet access service. For example, Web servers automatically recognize an Internet user's domain name (such as .com, .edu, etc.), the Web page from which a visitor enters our site and how much time a visitor spends on a Web page. This information is used - only in the aggregate - to improve our Internet services and sites.

Types of Customer Information

On some Web pages users can order products, make requests or register to receive information. Such customer-specific information will be used to fulfill the specific request or purpose for which it was provided.

Privacy of On-line Personal Information

No personal information obtained on-line is released outside of VTel or its authorized agent, except with the customer's permission, as required by law, for safety reasons, or to survey customer satisfaction, under nondisclosure protection. We use the information provided when placing an order to complete that order. We do not share that information with outside parties except as necessary to fulfill the on-line order (e.g., providing the "ship to" address to our shipper). We may also use that information to offer other products or services of interest. We do not sell customer information to any outside party.

Use of Customer Information

Information collected on-line, especially from those who place an order on-line, may be used within VTel or by an authorized agent to inform the user about services and products of potential interest. Customers might be contacted by telephone, direct mail or e-mail to keep them up-to-date on new products and services offered by VTel or an authorized agent.

Your Customer Proprietary Network Information Rights

In the normal course of providing your telephone service, VTel maintains certain information about your account. This information, when matched to your name, address and calling or originating billing telephone number, is known as your customer-specific "Customer Proprietary Network Information," or CPNI for short. Examples include the type of line you have, technical characteristics (like Touch-tone or rotary service), class of service, current telephone charges, long-distance and local service billing records, directory assistance charges, usage data, and calling patterns.

VTel may use your CPNI to market additional local telephone services to you, as well as broadband data and long distance services if we already provide that type of service to you. We may also market telecommunications products or services to you with your permission if you contact us and ask about them. If you want to give your permanent permission to receive information on VTel products and services, call the Business Office at 800-279-4049 during weekday business hours. Your permission will remain in effect until you notify us otherwise.

Access by Children

VTel Web sites are not structured to attract children under the age of 13. VTel believes there is no information on its Web sites, which is inappropriate for viewing by children. Ordering on-line products and services from VTel is limited to adults named as authorized party on the account for which the order is placed

Other Web Sites

VTel Web sites may contain links to other Web sites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy policies of other sites.

Data Security

VTel has established appropriate physical, electronic and managerial safeguards to secure the information collected on-line. These safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy and ensure only appropriate use of information.

Correction of Information

To request access to customer-specific information or to correct any inaccuracies, call VTel at 800-279-4049 during weekday business hours.

Updates

To improve the service VTel offers the information obtained about Web users may be revised in the future. This privacy statement will be updated to reflect any future developments in Internet business practices. Effective 7/01.