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The answer is breathtakingly disingenuous: "To help control the amount of spam and viruses that originate from the Optimum Online network, we have implemented outbound Port 25 (SMPT) [sic] filtering. Filtering Port 25 is a common spam-control measure used by Internet service providers and the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to the war on spam."

Ah, OK. I get it - but as soon as I pony up another $15 per month, you remove the block on Port 25 and let me send spam to my heart's content.

There are many ways to block, filter or otherwise intercept spam other than shutting off Port 25 completely. But those methods would require Cablevision to spend money. When it comes to VPNs, very few organizations allow unencrypted access into corporate resources, and thus VPN clients on home or notebook machines are commonplace. Cablevision users are forced to pay the unblocking fee or do without that particular access.

Fortunately, alternative access methods, such as using Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Server, are not being blocked - yet.

While I've had issues with Verizon's DSL offerings, I have to note that in this same geography at least (New York/New Jersey area), Verizon allows unfettered access to business users. I hope I'm not giving them any ideas.

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