Maybe we shouldn't be looking at whether or not this law allows this particular message to be communicated in this way, and instead look at whether or not arbitrarily blocking access is permitted under the agreement between the service provider and its customers.
As users of streaming devices will attest, HTTP is just one part of the internet, so many would consider it to be a matter of not delivering the service that was promised if an ISP blocks access for any reason (other than by request from law enforcement or breach of the service agreement by the customer).
If a cable TV provider were to block all access and put up a message on an obscure channel that someone might never see explaining how to re-enable the service, I think it's reasonable to assume that most customers would call and complain that their cable service isn't working (and they'd be right).
It shouldn't matter if someone can use a specific type of internet-connected device (among many) and open a specific type of application (among many) on that device to communicate over a specific protocol (among many) to re-enable their service. For practical purposes and in the broad context of what "internet access" means, CenturyLink is simply cutting off service to its customers without justifiable reason. Customers should hold them to that and threaten legal action if the company doesn't want to deliver the expected service.
As users of streaming devices will attest, HTTP is just one part of the internet, so many would consider it to be a matter of not delivering the service that was promised if an ISP blocks access for any reason (other than by request from law enforcement or breach of the service agreement by the customer).
If a cable TV provider were to block all access and put up a message on an obscure channel that someone might never see explaining how to re-enable the service, I think it's reasonable to assume that most customers would call and complain that their cable service isn't working (and they'd be right).
It shouldn't matter if someone can use a specific type of internet-connected device (among many) and open a specific type of application (among many) on that device to communicate over a specific protocol (among many) to re-enable their service. For practical purposes and in the broad context of what "internet access" means, CenturyLink is simply cutting off service to its customers without justifiable reason. Customers should hold them to that and threaten legal action if the company doesn't want to deliver the expected service.