Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

FCC to Test 'Net Neutrality' in Comcast Case

Service provider faces investigation over claims of traffic-blocking

Share

(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)
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. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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)
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 Balce Ceneta, File)
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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

53 Stories

FCC Eyes Hiking Phone Bills to Expand Internet Access

Feds want to open networks, but would tax your phone bill to do it

Nov 18, 09 6:48 AM CST
(Newser) - Al Gore may think he created the Internet, but it's the FCC that's looking to make it available to all Americans—and it's considering taxing your phone bill to pay for it. Federal regulators will outline their case today for stepping up government control of Internet and phone services, the... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Internet • FCC • broadband Internet • network speed • Internet access • open access • National Broadband Plan

OPINION

 Shine a Light 
 on Sneaky TV 
 Product Placement 

Do you know when you're being sold something?

Oct 30, 09 10:49 AM CDT
(Newser) - You can tell when you’re watching a commercial, right? Not at all, writes NE Marsden , and that’s a huge problem. A new FTC measure seeks to expose the practice of paid consideration—“stealth advertising” is a better phrase—online by requiring bloggers and marketers to disclose remuneration,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • television • Internet • advertising • FCC • marketing • children • FTC • product placement • Federal Communications Commission • Federal Trade Commission

We Might Need Google Neutrality, Too

Net Neutrality isn't a cure-all; the internet is full of choke points

Oct 29, 09 12:04 PM CDT
(Newser) - Net neutrality is back in the headlines, but it might not be as important as its champions might hope. Essentially, the net neutrality fight is over price discrimination—the ISPs want to charge extra fees to big companies that could afford to pay them, explains Ars Technica . Companies of all... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Google • Internet • net neutrality • search • ISP

53 Stories


Ars Technica on the impending investigation
Ars Technica


Technology 
TwitterFollow @NewserTech on Twitter

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

from our news partners