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FCC Put to Test Over Net Neutrality

Consumer groups lodge complaint against Comcast file sharing interference

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2007 4:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – Consumer groups and legal scholars filed a complaint with the FCC today asking the agency to fine Comcast for interfering with subscribers' file transfers. The case will be the first major indication of the FCC's actual stance on Net Neutrality. The petitions call on the FCC to fine Comcast $195,000 for every affect subscriber, the Associated Press reports.

Currently the nation's largest cable television provider, Comcast is also the second largest ISP, with 12.9 million internet subscriptions. An AP test in October found considerable evidence that Comcast delayed file sharing for subscribers using BitTorrent. FCC policy states that consumers are free to run whichever Internet applications they choose, but makes an exception for "reasonable network management" — which exception Comcast is surely eyeing.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin lostens during a hearing on localism, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, at the FCC headquarters in Washington. Federal regulators on Wednesday, Oct.... (Associated Press)

Graphic explains the downloading software BitTorrent; 4c x 4 3/4 inches; 195.7 mm x 120.7 mm (Associated Press)

A sign bearing Comcast's name hangs in the lobby of its state headquarters in Sandy, Utah. in this Nov. 3, 2005 file photo. Comcast Corp., the nation's biggest cable TV systems operator, said Thursday,... (Associated Press)

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FCC Put to Test Over Net Neutrality

Consumer groups lodge complaint against Comcast file sharing interference

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Consumer groups lodge complaint against Comcast file sharing interference

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Comcast • FCC • net neutrality • BitTorrent • ISP • Internet service providers

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Illegal Downloaders' Punishment: Slow Internet

Internet providers strike deal to penalize pirates

Verizon Challenges New Network Neutrality Rules

Company thinks FCC overstepped its authority

FCC Approves Comcast Deal to Buy NBC

Justice Department is expected to follow suit later today

Get Ready for the Two-Speed Internet

Dan Lyons: Thanks to net neutrality, we'll probably have fast and slow lanes

FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules for Web Traffic

Issue will be revisited in the courts

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Newser By Users

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