FCC narrowly votes to punish Comcast

The Federal Communications Commission last Friday voted 3-2 to punish cable TV giant Comcast for blocking file-sharing traffic, an activity that violates the FCC's Net neutrality principles. The vote had FCC Chairman Kevin Martin siding with the two Democrat commissioners in support of punishing Comcast. The company will not be fined, but will be required to stop blocking traffic by the end of the year, which it already independently has committed to do. The FCC also wants Comcast to submit more detailed plans for how it will manage its network, and to make that information available to customers.

It is broadly anticipated that Comcast will appeal the ruling. Meanwhile, the vote adds some momentum to Net neutrality legislative efforts, but certainly will get scrutinized by broadband service providers of all types, many of whom may question the FCC's authority to take this kind of action.

For more:
- see this story at The Wall Street Journal

Related articles:
Comcast looked likely to be punished as of early last week. Comcast report
Comcast had previously skipped an FCC hearing. Comcast report