Comcast Bends Under Net Neutrality Pressure

Promises new system for managing network, probably by end of year
By Laila Weir,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 28, 2008 11:36 AM CDT
Comcast Bends Under Net Neutrality Pressure
David L. Cohen, executive vice-president of the Comcast Corporation testifies before the FCC during a hearing at the Harvard University Law School, Feb. 25, 2008.    (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

Comcast is changing the way it manages Internet traffic after an intense public and FCC outcry over its blocking traffic from BitTorrent users. To cut use during peak hours, the Internet provider will stop targeting specific applications and instead slow its highest-bandwidth users’ traffic, reports the New York Times. Still, the FCC promised to continue scrutinizing the company.

“In the event of congestion, the half percent of people who are overutilizing an excessive amount of capacity will be slowed down subtly until capacity is restored,” said Comcast’s CTO. “For the other 99.5%, their performance will be maintained exactly as they expect it.” Comcast also said it’s been working with startup BitTorrent to optimize BitTorrent applications for its network. (More internet stories.)

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