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FCC to Test 'Net Neutrality' in Comcast Case

Service provider faces investigation over claims of traffic-blocking

By Sam Biddle, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2008 12:54 PM CST

(Newser) – The Federal Communications Commission will investigate allegations Comcast hinders file sharing by blocking internet traffic for some users, the AP reports. Reports last year showed Comcast interfered with popular BitTorrent file-transfer protocol. Comcast has denied blocking data, rather claiming it delays such transfers to maximize network efficiency for all users. File sharing, widely used for online piracy, has substantial legitimate use as well.

The case will be an important milestone in the battle for so-called "net neutrality," the principle that Internet traffic should not receive preferential treatment from internet service providers. Comcast says it is acting within the regulation's exception for "reasonable traffic management." FCC chairman Kevin Martin insists it will “make sure that no consumer is going to be blocked."

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts gestures during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) (Associated Press)

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, center, talks to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CES, during an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 8. 2007.... (Associated Press)

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin speaks during an industry insider session at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 8. 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Associated Press)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin, left, accompanied by commissioner Michael J. Copps, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Feb. 1, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Manuel... (Associated Press)

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FCC to Test 'Net Neutrality' in Comcast Case

Service provider faces investigation over claims of traffic-blocking

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FCC to Test 'Net Neutrality' in Comcast Case

Service provider faces investigation over claims of traffic-blocking

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Internet • investigation • Comcast • FCC • file sharing • BitTorrent • ISP • probe

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sweden Has Official New Religion: File Sharing

Believers join Missionary Church of Kopimism

Illegal Downloaders' Punishment: Slow Internet

Internet providers strike deal to penalize pirates

FCC Approves Comcast Deal to Buy NBC

Justice Department is expected to follow suit later today

FCC Honcho: Comcast Can Only Buy NBC if It Shares

Commission aims to block media stranglehold

Get Ready for the Two-Speed Internet

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

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?