Legal

Acceptable Use Policy

Read our policy about how to properly use the Big Bend network as well as information about inappropriate use and misuse of the the network.

CALEA Compliance

In compliance with CALEA, Big Bend’s equipment, facilities and services have surveillance capability to assist law enforcement. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA) requires telecommunications common carriers to ensure that their introduction of new technologies and services does not interfere with the execution of law enforcement wiretaps and other electronic surveillance.

Copyright Infringement

Learn more about your rights and the actions Big Bend is required by federal law to take if copyright infringement claims are filed.

Interconnection Agreements

Carriers who have approved Interconnection Agreements with BBT.

Internet Fraud Complaints

Visit official government web resources to report and learn about internet fraud.

Lifeline and Tribal Link Up Guidelines

The Lifeline program is a government program established by the FCC and the Texas Public Utility Commission to make monthly telephone service more affordable.

Big Bend provides a federal Lifeline discount up to $9.25 per month, and a state discount of up to $3.50 per month (an additional discount my be available based on service location) for each qualifying household under the Lifeline program. Big Bend is proud to offer the Lifeline discount on all of its voice service or voice and broadband bundled service offerings (subject to minimum service standards).  Customers who subscribe to broadband only, would only receive the Federal discount of $9.25.

A customer’s household is eligible for the Lifeline Program discount if that customer’s annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines , for the federal discount or 150% of the federal poverty guidelines for the state discount, or if the customer, a dependent, or the customer’s household participates in one or more of the following:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps
• National School Lunch free lunch program (State only discount)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (State only discount)
• Health benefits coverage under the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (State only discount)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (State only discount)
• Veterans or Survivors Pension Benefit

Eligible households may only have Lifeline on one wireless telephone or one wireline telephone, not both. Lifeline customers may not transfer their Lifeline discount to another person even if the other person is eligible.

For more information, contact Lite Up Texas at 1-866-454-8387 or www.liteuptexas.org.

Privacy Policy

Big Bend is committed to your privacy.  Review our policy on how we store, protect, and distribute your personal information.

If you would like to request a copy of the information BBT has saved, please submit a Data Request.

Protecting Our Customers’ Privacy Online

Recent action in Washington to repeal rules proposed by the FCC last year regarding the protection of consumers’ information online has caused some concern that personal information from Big Bend Telephone / Big Bend Telecom customers will now be shared or sold. These concerns are understandable, but unfounded. Read our full explanation… 

Terms of Use

Read our terms of use and conditions for Big Bend products and services.

Network Management Policy - Broadband Internet Access Disclosures

Broadband Internet Access Disclosures as required by the Federal Communications Commission's Open Internet Rules are provided on this website under a separate Broadband Internet Access Disclosure Form. Existing and prospective customers of Big Bend’s Internet access services may refer to that disclosure form for additional information regarding the network practices, performance characteristics, and commercial terms applicable to Big Bend's broadband Internet access services.

Red Flag Compliance

Big Bend actively works to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft. In compliance with the Federal Communications Commission’s Substantive Rules 16 C.F.R. §681.2(b)(5), Big Bend Telephone Company is providing this notice to advise you of your rights concerning identity theft and Red Flag Rules. Big Bend Telephone Company (Big Bend) has developed and implemented a written Identity Theft Prevention Program to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of certain accounts or certain existing accounts. The Big Bend program addresses methods of identifying, detecting, and preventing Red Flags. Big Bend makes every effort to detect Red Flags, such as by obtaining identifying information about and verifying the identity of a person opening an account. Big Bend also authenticates customers, monitors transactions and verifies the validity of change of address requests. In order to prevent Identity Theft, Big Bend will not open a new account and will close an existing account, and notify law enforcement if Red Flags are detected.

Your Rights As a Customer

You may file requests or complaints with us by letter, in person or by telephone. Click here for your rights as a customer.