FCC to Make Comcast Pay

Today, the Federal Communications Commission decided that Comcast violated Net neutrality rules in its management of broadband networks by hindering peer-to-peer file sharing. The cable giant must change the way it manages its network.

The FCC did not issue a fine but ordered the company to stop cutting off transfers of large data files with customers who use a special type of "file-sharing" software. Comcast is also expected to design a plan that would tell how it would stop its unreasonable behavior by the end of the year.

The following is from a statement the FCC released:

"Specifically, the Commission found that Comcast had deployed equipment throughout its network to monitor the content of its customers' Internet connections and selectively block specific types of connections known as peer-to-peer connections."

Comcast claims its practices are reasonable and that it has delayed, not "blocked" traffic and the FCC's network-neutrality "principles" are part of a policy statement and therefore should not be enforced as "rules." The company is also considering its legal options.

The Open Internet Coalition praises the FCC on its ruling:

"The FCC Order will send a message to entrepreneurs and innovators that their inventions will be able to work on any broadband connection, without first seeking permission of a cable or telephone company.  It sets a baseline for unacceptable network management practices by broadband operators, and will help ensure that the broadband Internet can remain as an open platform for continued technology innovation and growth.
We continue to believe that Congress should pass legislation and the FCC should consider rules that provide certainty for consumers and innovators going forward." - OIC Executive Director Markham Erickson

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