Kevin Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said last week he would seek “enforcement action” against Comcast Corp. for slowing down internet traffic due to users downloading movies and other media, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “You can’t limit consumers that way,” he told a news conference in Washington, D.C. The announced is seen as the beginning of a precedent to enforcing net neutrality — the notion of unmitigated free flow of digital information on the internet. For months, Comcast has dealt with accusations that it blocks internet traffic to gain a competitive advantage. Comcast admitted earlier this year that it targets people who use BitTorrent, a file-sharing software that consumes massive amounts of internet bandwidth. BitTorrent says its online video streaming is a threat to Comcast’s pay-TV service. The cable company opposes enforcement by the FCC, saying the federal agency is trying to enforce guidelines that do not exist. Consumer advocates, however, claim it’s necessary for the FCC to enforce net neutrality.
- John Stoehr
Arts Editor
There's more to art than you think. It's not just theater, paintings, books and dance. It's the enterprise of human creativity and it takes vastly different shapes and forms. Here you'll find my thoughts about the arts in Charleston and beyond. Neither of us knows what to expect.
One Comment
Comcast can’t be doing this and we need to fight back!
I am part of a new campaign to switch to the first Telecom to take the Net Neutrality Pledge. It is a new type of campaign because people can join the campaign without switching but once the first Telecom takes the Pledge (as long as they provide service in your area) then all the members will switch. If you’re interested check it out here: http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/first-telecom-to-take-the-net-neutrality-pledge-wins-our-business
Thanks and we want to help the spread the word about keeping an open internet.