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Comcast Blocks Subscribers From Some Services

Illustrates need for 'net neutrality' legislation, activists allege

by Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 21, 2007 

AP reporter Peter Svensson said he found that using P2P services like BitTorrent to upload large files triggered a message that appeared to be from one of the users asking to block the communication -- but was actually from Comcast itself.

In August, Comcast warned broadband Internet customers across the country to curb their downloading or wind up on the curb.

The company, which a few years ago advertised the service as “unlimited” has an “acceptable use policy” which enforces the invisible download limit, ConsumerAffairs.com's Joe Enoch reported.

Comcast had previously denied that it used any sort of technology to block or inhibit file-sharing between users. The latest discovery renewed calls by consumer advocates to pass laws protecting net neutrality, the principle that content on the Internet should be equally accessible by all users.

"Comcast's BitTorrent blocking is the canary in the coal mine for Net Neutrality -- a clear example of an Internet service provider stifling innovation and free speech online," said Free Press' Ben Scott.

"If you want content that isn't available on Comcast's cable system, the Internet is the place to go and this is the technology that is going to bring it to you.

"It's no surprise that Comcast, whose primary business is video, is working to smother a growing competitor."

Comcast denies it.

"Comcast does not block access to any Websites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent," a Comcast spokeswoman said. "We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good Internet experience and we use the latest technologies to manage our network so that they can continue to enjoy these applications."

Comcast has actively taken steps in the past to limit excessive bandwith usage, to the point of shutting off service to customers who the company decides are going over the limit.

But Comcast refuses to disclose its bandwith caps, making it difficult for consumers to judge if they are in danger of exceeding those limits.

Russell of Schaumburg, Illinois wrote ConsumerAffairs.com to complain that Comcast's aggressive pursuit of new customers was causing a strain on the available bandwith, slowing his connection speed to dial-up levels.

"Basically they charge for a service which they can't provide," Russell said.

Dan from Houna, Louisiana claimed Comcast was "advertising unlimited internet and is putting an arbitrary limit on news group downloads and on outgoing email. Someone do something!"

Verizon Wireless, which had similarly claimed to offer unlimited wireless broadband Internet service, was forced to withdraw that claim after testing by ConsumerAffairs.com confirmed that the company would cancel users' service if they downloaded large files or watched streaming video television shows.

The Fear Of Peer-To-Peer

The growth of broadband in America has been fueled in large part by the ability to send and share large files such as music, movies, and documents over P2P programs such as BitTorrent and LimeWire. The faster speeds enabled by broadband Internet service enable video and music files to be downloaded in minutes, rather than hours as with dial-up Internet service.

Although P2P services enable the easy -- and illegal -- sharing of copyrighted content, they also enable the dissemination of works in the public domain. Svensson used the King James Bible as a legal file to test whether or not Comcast would block the upload of the file to the BitTorrent service. It did.

Under influence from lobbyists in the entertainment and media industries, Congress has recently renewed calls to further investigate restrictions on P2P services, claiming they represent a risk of leaking sensitive government documents, as well as the potential to increase identity theft through breaches of personal data.

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