>   http://seclists.org/lists/fulldisclosure/2005/Jan/0578.html
> 
>   "SBC began to apply SMTP port 25 filters on Broadband and Dialup
>   connections using DYNAMIC IP addresses in October 2004. This
>   includes both residential and businesses using DYNAMIC IP
>   addresses on broadband or dialup connections. The change was
>   announced by SBC in the September 2004 customer newsletter and
>   on the SBC web site."
> 
>   So I'm guessing that if a static IP is being assigned, it 
> would still be ok for SMTP services
>   running on the DSL.

In the central US (Kansas) they are filtering more than just port 25
outbound.  After a few hours on the phone with level 2, whatever, support..
I was told that "We do not block any ports on your connection."  To my
dismay, and acute disbelief (with evidence in hand) I questioned the all
mighty guru's once again: "Why are you blocking my outbound traffic?"  They
replied: "We do not block any ports on your connection! You apparently don't
know what you are talking about or have a problem with your computer!" 

Ha, after I paused in disbelief I had discovered that there was some truth
to what he said. I had neglected to bring myself up to the 'politically
correct' terms of today.  You see, since about 1979, my thinking was (and
still is) that anytime data is being intentionally prohibited either in or
out of the interface; then to me it is being 'blocked' - for whatever
reason.  So I asked the engineer, "Ok then, why can't I send my email to my
corporate servers without having to go through your mail servers?"  His
reply? - "Well that is because we filter many ports both inbound and
outbound."

Today, I'm educated once again: No it is not being blocked, it is being
'filtered'.  Ha, filtered.  Hehe.. I could of saved myself about 3 hours of
life had I kept my wits up and just remembered to think outside the box.
'filtered'.  Ok then it's filtered.  How do have the filters removed?  His
reply was to have me go to there email abuse web page, select port 25 opt
out, fill in the comment box and click submit.  Well I did that.. Cgi error
- 404 page not found.  

Ok, yet another 1 hour call to tech support.  Tech support had to actually
fill out my information for me and try try try until their own form would
submit.  My next 'outside the box' question was: Ok how do I have other
ports 'not filtered' hehe.. Like ports 5177, 5178, 8181, 8383,  etc etc?  He
said he didn't know if 'they' would do that.  Trying to make his work easier
I finally just asked if they would remove all 'filters'.  Worth mentioning
is that they do, here anyway, use IPSwitch IM (on the lan probably) so the
tech understood my frustrations about not having 5177/5178 open.

So, I'm on day 2 awaiting the release of the 'filters'.  Tomorrow I cancel
my xDSL connection and press on with COX.  I just find it hard to believe
that a company that big would have such lame methods inplace, to BLOCK their
customers use of the internet, with little to no way of selectively removing
'filters' imposed upon them.  I would hope that come to a firm conclusion
and realize that not everyone that uses there service just surfs the
internet.

~Rick


  

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