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Comcast Defends Slowing Down P2P Traffic; Regulators Introduce Neutrality Bill

Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA), which has been under fire for delaying P2P traffic on its network, defended itself before the Federal Communications Commission today in formal comments submitted. It said this was a justifiable way to keep Web traffic flowing for everyone, and also said it was justified in using “reset” packets to break off communications between two computers (as a way to kill a file-sharing session), reports AP.

Comcast compared its practices to a traffic-ramp control light that regulates the entry of additional vehicles onto a freeway during rush hour, reports WaPo. “One would not claim that the car is ‘blocked’ or ‘prevented from entering the freeway; rather it is briefly delayed,” the company’s statement said.

Comcast’s submission was in response to complaints to FCC by consumer group Free Press and the online P2P video service Vuze (Disclaimer: Vuze and our company share investors.).

Meanwhile, on the law making front, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on telecom and the Internet, are introducing a bill calling for an Internet policy that would prohibit network operators from unreasonably interfering with consumers’ right to access and use content over broadband networks...in other words defending net neutrality. The eight-page bill’s preamble contains strong language in support of network neutrality principles but that’s as far the bill goes, reports MCN. The bill, if it became law, would not authorize the FCC to regulate cable, phone and other broadband access providers.

 

 

Feb 13, 2008 12:32 AM ET

Posted In: Legal, Regulatory, FCC, Technologies / Formats, Broadband, Companies, Comcast

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