Online Data Will Be Sent Equitably

PHILADELPHIA – Under pressure from federal regulators, Comcast Corp. reversed its stance over hampering online file-sharing by its subscribers and promised Thursday to treat all types of Internet traffic equally.

The Internet service provider said it will collaborate with BitTorrent Inc., the company that invented a more efficient successor to file-sharing services such as Napster and Kazaa, to improve the transmission of large files over the Internet – and it will eventually stop delaying file transfers based on the specific technology used.

Since user reports of interference with file-sharing traffic were confirmed by an Associated Press investigation in October, Comcast had vigorously defended its practice, most recently at a hearing of the Federal Communications Commission in February.

At issue was whether a service provider like Comcast has the right to control what types of Internet traffic it will let through, block or delay. Comcast said it needs to clamp down on heavy users of Internet bandwidth so others won’t be slowed down.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said he is “pleased” Comcast has reversed course, but he remains concerned that the nation’s largest cable company isn’t stopping the practice now. Comcast gave itself until year’s end.

“While it may take time to implement its preferred new traffic- management technique, it is not at all obvious why Comcast couldn’t stop its current practice of arbitrarily blocking its broadband customers from using certain applications,” Mr. Martin said in a statement.

Mr. Martin said the FCC will remain “vigilant” to ensure consumers can access any lawful content online.

Consumer-rights groups say the FCC should still act to protect consumers against other “discriminatory” network-management practices.

“Any arrangements made now would not cover any future developments in blocking, throttling or filtering that any other companies may use,” said Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge.

Consumer and “Net Neutrality” advocates have accused Comcast of playing judge and gatekeeper for the Internet by secretly blocking some connections between file-sharing computers. They also accused Comcast of stifling delivery of Internet video, an emerging competitor to its core business.

Originally published by Associated Press.

(c) 2008 Augusta Chronicle, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.