FCC to Scrutinize Broadband ISPs (
Page 1 of 2 )
The Federal Communications Commission is concerned that broadband
Internet providers are not informing customers about how they manage
their networks.By Clare Baldwin and Peter Kaplan
WASHINGTON/STANFORD, California (Reuters) - The head of the U.S.
Federal Communications Commission said on Thursday the agency would
scrutinize whether broadband Internet providers were open with
customers about how they are managing their networks and make good on
the speeds they promise.
Speaking at an agency hearing on broadband services, FCC Chairman
Kevin Martin said the commission should look closely at the two factors
as it grapples with what constitutes "reasonable" management of
broadband networks by providers such as Comcast Corp.
The FCC is looking into complaints from consumer groups that cable
operator Comcast Corp has unreasonably blocked or hindered some
file-sharing services, such as BitTorrent, that distribute TV shows and
movies.
"Application designers need to understand what will and what will
not work on the network, and consumers must be fully informed about the
exact nature of the service they are purchasing," Martin said in
comments at the hearing.
"Particularly as broadband providers are trying to provide tiers of
service, it's critical to make sure that we are understanding that the
broadband network operators are able to deliver the speeds and service
that they are selling," Martin said.
Martin and the FCC's other four commissioners held a hearing at
Stanford University in the heart of Silicon Valley to get input on what
constitutes "reasonable" network management.
Martin said at a previous hearing on the subject that he was
disturbed Comcast did not disclose more to customers and application
developers about the way it manages traffic on its network.
Subsequently last month, Comcast announced it would change the way
it manages its network and cooperate with BitTorrent and other critics
to resolve the dispute.
/ 1 
