Fair Use Policy

Last update: 26-11-2025

This Fair Use Policy (FUP) applies to all Services provided by Serverbear, specifically regarding the use of Network Bandwidth and CPU resources on shared platforms (such as VPS). This policy is an integral part of the Agreement between Serverbear and the Customer.

Article 1. General Provisions

  • 1.1. This policy is intended to ensure the optimal performance, availability, and stability of the Serverbear infrastructure for all Customers.
  • 1.2. By using the Services, the Customer agrees to adhere to the guidelines set forth in this document.
  • 1.3. Capitalised terms used in this policy shall have the same meaning as defined in the General Terms and Conditions of Serverbear.

Article 2. Network Bandwidth

  • 2.1. Serverbear offers “unmetered” bandwidth on many of its Services. This means that Serverbear does not charge based on the total amount of data (GB/TB) transferred.
  • 2.2. Services are connected to the network via a shared port with a specified speed (e.g., 1Gbps). This port capacity is shared with other users on the same physical node or network segment.
  • 2.3. “Unmetered” does not imply “dedicated.” The Customer acknowledges that the available bandwidth is a shared resource. No single Customer is entitled to 24/7 exclusive use of the full port capacity, as this negatively impacts the network performance for other users.
  • 2.4. Fair use is defined as usage that does not degrade the quality of service for other Customers. The Customer is prohibited from continuously saturating the uplink or downlink port for extended periods.

Article 3. CPU Usage (VPS Platform)

  • 3.1. The Serverbear VPS platform utilises a shared hardware environment. CPU cores are a shared resource among multiple Customers on the same physical node.
  • 3.2. The Customer is permitted to use 100% of their allocated CPU resources for short periods (“burst usage”) to perform specific tasks, such as software updates, compilations, or processing web requests.
  • 3.3. It is not the intended use case of the shared platform to utilize the CPU at maximum capacity (100% or near-maximum load) for extended periods or on a continuous 24/7 basis (“hammering”).
  • 3.4. Serverbear reserves the right to determine if specific CPU usage patterns constitute a violation of this policy based on the impact such usage has on the “neighboring” Customers on the same node.

Article 4. Prohibited Activities

  • 4.1. To protect the integrity of the network and hardware, specific activities are strictly prohibited on Services covered by this policy. These include, but are not limited to:
    • a. Running a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or part of a CDN infrastructure.
    • b. Hosting public file mirroring services.
    • c. Continuous video streaming or audio broadcasting services.
    • d. Operating Tor exit nodes or relays.
    • e. Cryptocurrency mining, staking, or related blockchain verification activities (prohibited for both Network and CPU usage).
    • f. Distributed computing projects (e.g., SETI@home, Folding@home) that run continuously.
  • 4.2. Serverbear reserves the right to determine if a specific activity falls under these prohibited categories based on traffic patterns and system load.

Article 5. Enforcement and Measures

  • 5.1. Serverbear monitors the network based on port usage and congestion levels, and CPU usage based on load averages and “steal time” metrics.
  • 5.2. If a Customer’s usage is detected as violating this policy (“Abuse”), Serverbear will follow this procedure:
    • a. Notification: Serverbear will contact the Customer via email or the ticket system to notify them of the excessive usage and request a resolution.
    • b. Suspension: If the Customer fails to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe, or if the Abuse continues, Serverbear reserves the right to suspend the Service.
  • 5.3. Immediate Action: Notwithstanding Article 5.2, if the excessive usage (Network or CPU) is severe enough to cause immediate instability, degradation, or service interruption to other users, Serverbear reserves the right to limit resources or suspend the Service immediately without prior notice. The Customer will be informed of this action as soon as reasonably possible.

Article 6. Liability

  • 6.1. Serverbear is not liable for any damages, direct or indirect, resulting from the enforcement of this policy, including the suspension of Services or the limitation of speeds/resources due to verified Abuse.