Re: Eat this RIAA (or, the war has begun?) - Why not all ISPs?

[Rob Healey <rhealey () onvoy com>]

> The RIAA, itself, doesn't use the net for
> revenew, or, really, much of anything.  What few uses they do have
> could easily be served through disposable dialup accounts.  It
> is the RIAA member companies, such as Sony (one of the biggest
> offenders), Arista, Geffen, etc. which are getting their revenue
> through the net.  Unfortunately, no provider can defend turning
> off Sony as a rational business decision.  Your customers wouldn't
> tolerate it or stand behind you on it.  (If anyone wants to prove
> me wrong, I would very much enjoy being wrong on this).

        Generic question related to this:

        Can ISP's arbitrarily refuse to give service to someone who tries
        to sign up? i.e. if everyone refused to give Sony service could they
        sue on some sort of discrimination/collusion charge?

        Do ISP/ASP/*SP's HAVE to provide services if someone knocks on the
        door requesting them or can they refuse for any reason what so ever?

        Any armchair lawyers, who play one on TV, have the/an answer?

        -Rob