Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/#comments http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/

The FCC has created a new forum for corporations, experts and activists to scrap over web laws: The Net Neutrality Advisory Committee. Members have been tasked with "tracking and evaluating the effects of the FCC's Open Internet rules," as well as making policy recommendations. The new group is to be led by Harvard professor and long-time defender of an open internet, Jonathan Zittrain, whose appointment echoes that of Tim Wu -- another expert in a senior advisory position over at the FTC. Harvard University is no stranger to what can go wrong when open access is stifled, so perhaps the good professor can shake things up a bit.

Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabledatadata capsDataCapsfccfiberharvardintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyinternetjonathan zittrainJonathanZittrainnet neutralityNetNeutralityopen internetOpenInternetWuThu, 31 May 2012 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/comcast-rethinks-bandwidth-caps-trials-two-new-policies-that-in/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/comcast-rethinks-bandwidth-caps-trials-two-new-policies-that-in/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/comcast-rethinks-bandwidth-caps-trials-two-new-policies-that-in/#comments

Comcast's bandwidth policy has come under fire from several directions lately, and today it's announced plans to test two new systems for managing capacity. In a company blog post, VP Cathy Avgiris describes the new "flexible" approaches it will be testing out in certain markets that start off by raising the limit to 300GB (from 250GB where it's been since 2008) per month. One of the plans involves offering 300GB as a base on its Essentials, Economy, and Performance internet packages, and higher limits on its Blast and Extreme tiers, with extra data available as an add-on, possibly $10 for 50GB or so. The other plan simply bumps all tiers to 300GB per month and offers the additional blocks of data as needed. For markets where it's not testing the new plans, it's suspending enforcement of the 250GB cap entirely for now, although it says it will still contact "excessive" users about their usage.

We're currently on a conference call concerning the changes and Comcast is reaffirming its belief that the FCC has decided it can "manage" data usage on its network, and that it will continue to do so in a "non-discriminatory" way. Particularly since the launch of its Xfinity TV Xbox 360 app others like Netflix and some consumer and networking watchdogs would beg to differ, it will be interesting to see if these approaches change anything. Executives on the call noted "noise" around the Xbox 360 app in making the change, but also pointed to an "ongoing internal discussion" and simply that times have changed from four years ago. The words that keep coming up so far are choice and flexibility, as well as mentioning that even today, very few customers approach the previous 250GB limit. In response to a question, Avgiris indicated the median usage for customers is still around 8-10GB per month.We'll find out more like where the test markets are later, for now hit the source link for all the information currently available.

Update: Netflix has responded to the move, and it's about what you'd expect. In other words, it appreciates the notion, but it's still mad.

Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandwidthbandwidthcapsbreaking newscablecapscomcasthdpostcrosshsiinternetnet neutralityNetNeutralityThu, 17 May 2012 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Comcast fires back over Xfinity TV on Xbox 360, says no way, no how it's violating net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/comcast-fires-back-over-xfinity-tv-on-xbox-360-net-neutrality-concerns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/comcast-fires-back-over-xfinity-tv-on-xbox-360-net-neutrality-concerns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/comcast-fires-back-over-xfinity-tv-on-xbox-360-net-neutrality-concerns/#comments Comcast Xfinity TV on Xbox 360

Complaints by Netflix's Reed Hastings and a handful of politicians must have rankled Comcast CTO Tony Werner, as he just posted a particularly detailed explanation of why Comcast believes the Xfinity TV app on the Xbox 360 isn't violating net neutrality. We'd previously heard the argument that the Xfinity app's traffic is simply being routed through Comcast's internal network and isn't the same as the Internet data of Netflix, but Werner now contends that the Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) tags that some think are breaking FCC rules by favoring Xfinity video are really just necessary switches. They're not prioritizing traffic, they're setting it aside, the claim goes. Of course, Hastings and others believe that setting Xfinity video aside is prioritizing, and Comcast's point of view sidesteps the practical reality that watching Netflix, Amazon Instant Video or iTunes will lead you closer to that ever-present 250GB cap while Xfinity doesn't. The FCC during its rulemaking warned against special private services being used as end-runs around neutrality concerns; it's up to the agency to decide whether or not that's true here, or whether Comcast is just offering its usual service in a new way.

Comcast fires back over Xfinity TV on Xbox 360, says no way, no how it's violating net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastComcast XfinityComcastXfinityFCChdpostcrossInternetip tvIPTVMicrosoftNet NeutralityNetflixNetNeutralitystreamingtelevisiontvtv streamingTvStreamingvideovideo streamingVideoStreamingxbox 360Xbox360xfinityxfinity tvxfinity tv appXfinityTvXfinityTvAppTue, 15 May 2012 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality proposal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/atandt-stockholders-vote-down-net-neutrality-proposal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/atandt-stockholders-vote-down-net-neutrality-proposal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/atandt-stockholders-vote-down-net-neutrality-proposal/#comments AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality

AT&T stockholders took to the ballot box today at their annual meeting and voted not only to reelect the entire board of directors, but also on a number of measures concerning how the company should conduct business. Chief amongst them was a provision that would have required the carrier to operate its network according to the tenets of net neutrality. Unfortunately for you (unless you're an AT&T exec), the proposal was voted down by a pretty stunning margin. 94.1 percent of shareholders opposed, with only 5.9 casting their voice in favor of true network neutrality. For more info check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality proposal

AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality proposal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attma bellMaBellmobilepostminiNet NeutralityNetNeutralityshareholdersFri, 27 Apr 2012 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Reed Hastings takes Comcast to task for skirting net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/reed-hastings-takes-comcast-to-task-for-skirting-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/reed-hastings-takes-comcast-to-task-for-skirting-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/reed-hastings-takes-comcast-to-task-for-skirting-net-neutrality/#comments Reed Hastings takes comcast to task

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings let loose a mini rant on Facebook Sunday, setting his sites squarely on Comcast and its data accounting practices. Highlighting one of the arguments for net neutrality, Hastings pointed out that viewing streaming videos using the Comcast Xfinity app on his Xbox doesn't count against his monthly cap, but other services do. "If I watch last night's SNL episode on my Xbox through the Hulu app, it eats up about one gigabyte of my cap, but if I watch that same episode through the Xfinity Xbox app, it doesn't use up my cap at all." It's slightly odd that different rules would apply to the same device using the same connection to stream the same content from different sources -- and exactly the sort of preferential and self-promoting behavior that net neutrality advocates are afraid will become the norm in an unregulated market. Of course, Hastings is also irate because his own company would love the same preferential treatment, but hasn't been able to close any deals. For the full rant hit up the source link.

Reed Hastings takes Comcast to task for skirting net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcasthdpostcrossmicrosoftnet neutralitynetflixNetNeutralityreed hastingsReedHastingsxboxxbox 360Xbox360xfinityxfinity tvXfinityTvMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[SEC sides with Beastie Boys' Mike D, says AT&T must allow shareholder vote on net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sec-sides-with-beastie-boys-mike-d-says-atandt-must-allow-shareh/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sec-sides-with-beastie-boys-mike-d-says-atandt-must-allow-shareh/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sec-sides-with-beastie-boys-mike-d-says-atandt-must-allow-shareh/#comments Michael Diamond may be best known as Mike D of the Beastie Boys, but he's also an AT&T shareholder, and he's now played a central role in forcing a shareholder vote on net neutrality. He, along with his wife Tamra Davis and John P. Silva of Silva Artist Management previously submitted a proposal to AT&T arguing that shareholders should be allowed to vote a resolution that recommended the company "publicly commit to operate its wireless broadband network consistent with network neutrality principles." AT&T unsurprisingly rejected that proposal, stating that it would "directly interfere with its network management practices," but the SEC has now stepped in and said that net neutrality has become a "significant policy consideration," and that it can no longer be excluded from shareholder ballots. As Bloomberg Businessweek notes, companies can challenge the SEC's findings in court, although it remains to be seen if AT&T or other carriers will take that step. No further word from Mike D on the matter, so we'll take this opportunity to share another important message of his after the break.

[Image credit: Fabio Venni / Wikimedia Commons]

Continue reading SEC sides with Beastie Boys' Mike D, says AT&T must allow shareholder vote on net neutrality

SEC sides with Beastie Boys' Mike D, says AT&T must allow shareholder vote on net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbeastie boysBeastieBoysmike dMikeDmobilepostcrossnet neutralityNetNeutralitysecWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Belarus limits use of 'foreign' websites, while Kuala Lumpur mandates WiFi in eateries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/belarus-bars-foreign-websites-kuala-lumpur-wifi-eateries/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/belarus-bars-foreign-websites-kuala-lumpur-wifi-eateries/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/belarus-bars-foreign-websites-kuala-lumpur-wifi-eateries/#comments Talk about polar opposites. In an update posted to the Library of Congress, we're told that the Republic of Belarus will begin fining citizens that host domestic sites on "foreign" domains. Crazy? Definitely, but no less true. Starting later this week, any Belarusian not registered as an entrepreneur may use "only domestic internet domains for providing online services, conducting sales, or exchanging email messages." According to the interpretation, it "appears that business requests from Belarus cannot be served over the internet if the service provider is using online services located outside of the country," and police (as well as the secret police) are authorized to "initiate, investigate, and prosecute such violations." Wilder still, owners of internet cafes could have their entire business shut down if users are found to be accessing external sites on those networks, and for those curious, the law "may" extend to browsing within one's private home.

In a land a bit closer to the equator, it seems as if officials have their heads in a far more sensible place. Kuala Lumpur -- already home to one of the world's most lust-worthy airports and some of the most accessible / affordable mobile data plans -- will soon mandate that all new restaurants provide WiFi to their customers. And by "WiFi," we mean "access to the entire internet." According to the New Strait Times, the rule will be enforced as early as April, applying to eatery owners operating on premises larger than 120 square meters. We're told that existing owners will be forced to comply when renewing their license, and while the waves won't have to be given away for free, they'll be encouraged to charge no more than a "reasonable fee." Furthermore, the government is considering dipping into its own pockets in order to extend gratis WiFi to public facilities in the city, likely as a follow-up plan to the expiring WirelessKL contract. As if going to wander through Batu Caves and the colorful streets shown above weren't enough reason to visit Malaysia...

Belarus limits use of 'foreign' websites, while Kuala Lumpur mandates WiFi in eateries originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belarusbusinessdomaindomain nameDomainNameicannillegalindustryinnovationinternetkuala lumpurKualaLumpurlegalmalaysianet neutralityNetNeutralityopen webOpenWebregistrarrepublic of belarusRepublicOfBelarustldwebsiteMon, 02 Jan 2012 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Court holds European ISPs can't be forced to filter traffic, users free to fly the jolly roger]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/court-holds-european-isps-cant-be-forced-to-filter-traffic-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/court-holds-european-isps-cant-be-forced-to-filter-traffic-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/court-holds-european-isps-cant-be-forced-to-filter-traffic-use/#comments It's been a sliver under a month since UK ISP British Telecom was ordered to cut all ties to filesharing site Newzbin 2. Now, a European court decision deals a counter blow to media owners by denying their demands to hustle ISPs into tracking freeloading downloaders. Specifically, the court held that it was illegal to force an ISP to install and maintain a system filtering all of its traffic as it could infringe customer privacy rights. While the decision will prove unpopular in big-wig boardrooms, joe public will no doubt be pleased with the court's upholding of both net neutrality, and of course not having to shred quite as many strongly worded letters from his or her ISP.

Court holds European ISPs can't be forced to filter traffic, users free to fly the jolly roger originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btcopyrightdownloaddownloadingDownloadsEUeuropefilesharingillegal downloadsIllegalDownloadsinternet service providerInternetServiceProvideripisplegalmusicNet NeutralityNetNeutralitypeer to peerPeerToPeerpiracypiratePirate BayPirateBaypiratesprivacyThu, 24 Nov 2011 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Senate to vote on net neutrality repeal today, Obama counters with a veto threat (update: 52-46 vote in favor of net neutrality)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/senate-to-vote-on-net-neutrality-repeal-today-obama-counters-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/senate-to-vote-on-net-neutrality-repeal-today-obama-counters-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/senate-to-vote-on-net-neutrality-repeal-today-obama-counters-wi/#comments The US Senate is slated to vote on a repeal of the FCC's controversial net neutrality regulations today, just a few days before they're scheduled to go into effect. Today's vote, like most these days, is expected to be divided along party lines, with most Democrats standing in favor of the rules, and Republicans calling for them to be overturned. Texas Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who sponsored the resolution, claims that the FCC's regulations would obstruct innovation and investment by jeopardizing the openness upon which the web has thrived, thus far. "The internet and technology have produced more jobs in this country than just about any other sector," Hutchinson argued. "It has been the cradle of innovation, it does not have a problem, and it does not need fixing." Senate Republicans aren't the only ones taking issue with the rules, either. Both Verizon and MetroPCS have already publicly aired their grievances, with the former filing a formal appeal in late September.

But Senate Commerce Chairman Jay Rockefeller believes the GOP-led opposition won't be strong enough to overcome his Democratic majority. "There's still 53 of us, and if we stay together we'll win," Rockefeller said. "I think we're going to prevail." Even if they don't, they'll still have the backing of the White House, which has already threatened to veto the resolution, should it survive past the Senate floor. "It would be ill-advised to threaten the very foundations of innovation in the Internet economy and the democratic spirit that has made the Internet a force for social progress around the world," the White House said in a statement, adding that the FCC's rules provide an "effective but flexible" means of preserving the web's intrinsically wild, wild west nature. Rockefeller, however, certainly isn't banking on a presidential veto to bail his party out. "You can take the cheap way out and just say, 'What if we fail, then Obama will veto it,'" he explained. "But that speaks so badly of us." All told, it's shaping up to be another net neutrality showdown on the Hill, but we'll keep you updated on the latest developments.

Update: It wasn't an overwhelming victory, but the Senate today rejected the attempt to repeal the FCC's net neutrality rules in a 52 to 46 vote that fell largely along party lines.

Senate to vote on net neutrality repeal today, Obama counters with a veto threat (update: 52-46 vote in favor of net neutrality) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamabusinessdemocratfccindustrylawlegislationMetroPCSnet neutralityNetNeutralitypoliticspresident obamaPresidentObamaregulationrepealrepublicanresolutionsenateUS senateUsSenateverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvotewhite houseWhiteHouseThu, 10 Nov 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon appeals net neutrality rules, let the legal wrangling begin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/verizon-appeals-net-neutrality-rules-let-the-legal-wrangling-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/verizon-appeals-net-neutrality-rules-let-the-legal-wrangling-be/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/verizon-appeals-net-neutrality-rules-let-the-legal-wrangling-be/#comments FCC Net Neutrality We told you it was only a matter of time and, honestly, it took a bit longer than expected. Verizon has officially filed an appeal to the FCC's net neutrality rules, which are set to take effect on Novemeber 20th. It wasn't until the regulations were published in the Federal Register on September 23rd that they became fair game for legal challenges -- a technicality that resulted in Verizon's previous attempt to block the rules being tossed out by the US Court of Appeals in April. While Verizon senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Michael E. Glover, assures netizens that the company is "fully committed to an open Internet," it none-the-less takes issue with the FCC's attempt to institute new "broad" and "sweeping" regulations on the telecommunications industry. We're sure this is only the first of several cases that will be brought before the courts challenging the commission's authority. Stayed tuned to see if and when MetroPCS re-enters the fray, and to find out the ultimate fate of net neutrality here in the US. Check out the brief statement from Verizon after the break.

Continue reading Verizon appeals net neutrality rules, let the legal wrangling begin

Verizon appeals net neutrality rules, let the legal wrangling begin originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealbroadbandchallengefccfederal registerFederalRegisterinternetlaw suitLawSuitlegislationNet NeutralityNetNeutralityopen internetopen internet rulesOpenInternetOpenInternetRulesregulationregulationsrulesverizonFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[America may join the net neutrality parade on November 20th, if the courts let it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/america-may-join-the-net-neutrality-parade-on-november-20th-if/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/america-may-join-the-net-neutrality-parade-on-november-20th-if/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/america-may-join-the-net-neutrality-parade-on-november-20th-if/#comments Net Neutrality FCC Well America, on November 20th you too will finally have net neutrality regulations all your own... provided the anticipated pile of lawsuits don't derail the process. The FCC will publish its "open internet rules" in the Federal Register tomorrow, making the regulations official. These are the same fairly modest proposals that were passed nearly a year ago over Republican opposition and, on that fateful day in November, they're scheduled to take effect. The rules have already faced challenges from Congress, Verizon and MetroPCS, but those suits were dismissed since the regulations technically didn't exist. After tomorrow though, any and all legal challenges will be fair game. Since the FCC is relying on its ancillary powers instead of reclassifying broadband as a Tier II service (similar to telephone landlines), those challenges could actually meet with success. If you need a refresher, just check out or guide to net neutrality as well as our interview with advocate and law professor Tim Wu. Now, we just have to wait and see what tomorrow will bring.

America may join the net neutrality parade on November 20th, if the courts let it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbandfccfederal registerFederalRegisterlegislationNet NeutralityNetNeutralityopen internetopen internet rulesOpenInternetOpenInternetRulesregulationThu, 22 Sep 2011 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaw Cable's Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/shaw-cables-netflix-competitor-bypasses-bandwidth-caps-on-its-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/shaw-cables-netflix-competitor-bypasses-bandwidth-caps-on-its-w/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/shaw-cables-netflix-competitor-bypasses-bandwidth-caps-on-its-w/#comments While US residents seethe over increases in Netflix's pricing, our neighbors in Canada are upset by the competing Movie Club package Shaw Cable is offering. The $12 per month service offers unlimited access to "hundreds of the best Hollywood movies" and plans to have high definition feeds later this summer for an additional $5 (cable companies in the US have a similar scheme under the name Vutopia.) Causing the issue are promises that "the only limit is the number of hours in your day" unlike bandwidth capped streaming from unnamed services like Netflix. While Movie Club viewing over the internet on a PC, tablet or other device is capped just like any other service, access via the cable box is not metered. That distinction doesn't sit well with subscribers and consumer groups arguing for net neutrality, particularly as the CRTC is in the midst of hearings over usage-based internet billing. While that case hasn't been decided, our own ruling is already in and is firmly against Shaw, or anyone else, advertising based on advantages that exist only due to policies it created in the first place.

Continue reading Shaw Cable's Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV

Shaw Cable's Netflix competitor bypasses bandwidth caps on its way to the TV originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandwidth cappingBandwidthCappingcableindustrymoviesNet NeutralitynetflixNetNeutralityrentalshawshaw cableShawCablestreamingsubscriptionSat, 16 Jul 2011 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Why is European broadband faster and cheaper? Blame the government]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/why-is-european-broadband-faster-and-cheaper-blame-the-governme/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/why-is-european-broadband-faster-and-cheaper-blame-the-governme/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/28/why-is-european-broadband-faster-and-cheaper-blame-the-governme/#comments Rick Karr is a journalist and frequent contributor to The Engadget Show.


If you've stayed with friends who live in European cities, you've probably had an experience like this: You hop onto their WiFi or wired internet connection and realize it's really fast. Way faster than the one that you have at home. It might even make your own DSL or cable connection feel as sluggish as dialup.

You ask them how much they pay for broadband.

"Oh, forty Euros." That's about $56.

"A week?" you ask.

"No," they might say. "Per month. And that includes phone and TV."

It's really that bad. The nation that invented the internet ranks 16th in the world when it comes to the speed and cost of our broadband connections. That's according to a study released last year by Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission.

Continue reading Why is European broadband faster and cheaper? Blame the government

Why is European broadband faster and cheaper? Blame the government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbandeditorialengadgetengadget showEngadgetShowfccfeaturefeaturedfeaturesnet neutralityNetNeutralityrick karrRickKarrvideoTue, 28 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch net neutrality first in EU, mobile operators side-eye KPN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/#commentsKPN may have shot itself in the foot, but the Dutch parliament certainly helped pull the trigger. Following a very public brag earlier this year that the operator was using deep packet inspection to throttle service and charge users for unintended network usage comes a massive industry buzz kill in the form of mobile net neutrality legislation. Pending approval by the Senate, wireless network operators in the Netherlands will no longer be able to shiv customers for using that nifty rival messaging, or VoIP service of their choice -- Skype and Whatsapp, for starters. The country's telcos put on their lobbying best to whine the usual lines about higher consumer prices, and shaky quality assurance, but the Dutch government called that bluff. Though the ruling bans traffic discrimination, it doesn't preclude tricksier tiered data pricing -- sneaky little carriers. While this win is a first for Europe, OG credit goes to Chile for paving the way. Not yet banned in the Netherlands? Amazing airports, tulips, and cheese wheels.

[Image credit via Arbor Media]

Dutch net neutrality first in EU, mobile operators side-eye KPN originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectionden hagueDenHaguedpadpiDutchDutch parliamentDutchParliamentEUEuropean unionEuropeanUnionHollandKPNMaxime VerhagenMaximeVerhagenmobilemobile broadbandmobile net neutralityMobileBroadbandMobileNetNeutralityNet NeutralityNetNeutralityT-mobileVodafoneWed, 22 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Holland's net neutrality act threatens to disrupt mobile carriers' pricing schemes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/#comments Net neutrality advocates are gaining momentum in The Hague as Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, agreed to begin drafting legislation prohibiting teleco providers from blocking or charging extra for specific data traffic. Verhagen's action comes at the request of majority leaders in Netherland's Lower House, which adopted a motion to modify the Telecommunications Act in support of bit equality. The change should cause waves throughout the nation's mobile industry as Holland's largest provider, KPN, recently announced it would use deep packet inspection to monitor and selectively charge customers based on their usage. Currently, Vodafone blocks VoIP unless customers pay extra and T-Mobile has previously suggested it might follow suit.

The Economic Minister is now working with officials in Brussels to ensure the legislation is compatible with the EU framework, and the proposal is expected to go before the Dutch parliament within a few weeks. Skype and WhatsApp have received particular attention, as mobile providers argue they must offset the losses caused by these apps with surcharges -- or to block them altogether. Perhaps it's not the best week to be a telco exec in the Netherlands, but users of these "controversial" apps surely have reason to smile.

[Image courtesy Flickr]

Holland's net neutrality act threatens to disrupt mobile carriers' pricing schemes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectionden hagueDenHaguedpadpiEUEuropean unionEuropeanUnionHollandKPNMaxime VerhagenMaximeVerhagenmobilemobile broadbandmobile dataMobileBroadbandMobileDataNet NeutralityNetherlandsNetNeutralityprivacysecurityskypeT-Mobilethe hagueTheHagueVodafonevoipwhatsappWed, 25 May 2011 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch telco KPN using deep packet inspection to monitor mobile customers, throttle services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/#comments KPN KPN set off some alarms in Holland last month when it announced a plan to start charging customers separate fees for using VoIP, streaming video, and sending instant messages. But, the question remained: how exactly would it keep mobile data users honest? The answer turns out to be deep packet inspection, which examines network traffic to identify what you're sending and where it's going. It's been suspected that the secret ingredient in KNP's service-throttling sauce was DPI, but it was finally confirmed in a presentation to investors recently. In fact, Mark Fisher, the director of KPN Mobile, bragged that it was the "very first" provider to be "able to identify by deep packet inspection what is actually the destination as data packages go along." Predictably, privacy and net neutrality advocates are up in arms, with some claiming it is a violation of the Dutch Data Protection Act. We just hope someone nips this in the bud soon -- we don't need American carriers knowing about our Scottish Fold obsession. Check out the source link for an audio clip of Fisher's confession.

[Thanks, Daan]

Dutch telco KPN using deep packet inspection to monitor mobile customers, throttle services originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectiondpadpimobile broadbandmobile dataMobileBroadbandMobileDatanet neutralitynetherlandsNetNeutralityprivacysecuritystreaming videoStreamingVideothrottlingVoIPThu, 12 May 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Comcast blocking the Pirate Bay? (updated: it isn't just Comcast)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/is-comcast-blocking-the-pirate-bay/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/is-comcast-blocking-the-pirate-bay/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/is-comcast-blocking-the-pirate-bay/#comments Is Comcast blocking the Pirate Bay? We've received numerous reports this morning from users indicating that good 'ol Comcast is at it again. Word on the web is that Comcast ISP subscribers are unable to access torrent site the Pirate Bay, a situation that we've been able to confirm internally. That said, we're not entirely sure it's Comcast's fault. Pings and DNS lookups seem to be resolved correctly, but users are unable to get to the site. Additionally, we're seeing reports that users on other ISPs and in other parts of the world are also having issues connecting, making us wonder if some other piece of rope further toward the topmast has come unraveled. What say you?

Update: Comcast just got back to us reaffirming that it is not the cause of this issue. "We're not blocking PirateBay and reports online indicate users from several ISPs around the world are affected." As we originally mentioned we're seeing those reports too, and many of you in the poll below are showing this isn't necessarily a Comcast-specific thing. So the question remains: what kind of a thing is it?

View Poll



[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Is Comcast blocking the Pirate Bay? (updated: it isn't just Comcast) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastISpynet neutralityNetNeutralitypiracypiratepirate bayPirateBaypiratesthe pirate bayThePirateBaytorrentThu, 12 May 2011 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EU investigation to take a closer look at net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/eu-investigation-to-take-a-closer-look-at-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/eu-investigation-to-take-a-closer-look-at-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/eu-investigation-to-take-a-closer-look-at-net-neutrality/#comments The EU has commissioned an investigation into how European ISPs handle traffic and manage their networks, in a move that could lead to new legislation on net neutrality. The investigation, to be conducted by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), will cover both mobile and fixed Internet providers, with particularly close attention paid to any barriers consumers may face when changing operators. BEREC will also consult with consumers and corporations to determine whether or not ISPs are being completely transparent about their traffic management practices, or advertised connection speeds. In a speech delivered yesterday, Neelie Kroes, the European Commission's Vice President for the Digital Agenda, admitted that some ISPs need to restrict some bandwidth-heavy services in order to protect their networks, but promised to publicly name and take action against any operators found to be stifling competition or consumer choice:
"Mark my words: if measures to enhance competition are not enough to bring Internet providers to offer real consumer choice, I am ready to prohibit the blocking of lawful services or applications. It's not OK for Skype and other such services to be throttled. That is anti-competitive. It's not OK to rip off consumers on connection speeds."
It's unlikely, however, that the EU will implement legislation as pointed as the net neutrality rules the FCC unveiled in the US, nor as expansive as the law that Chile introduced last summer. In a report issued yesterday, the EU affirmed that "operators should be allowed to determine their own business models and commercial arrangements" -- words that no doubt delighted many in Europe's ISP community. The results of BEREC's investigation are due to be published by the end of the year.

EU investigation to take a closer look at net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berecbusinessconsumerdigital agendaDigital Agenda for EuropeDigitalAgendaDigitalAgendaForEuropeEUeuropeEuropean CommissionEuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionFCCindustryinternet service providerInternetServiceProviderisplegislationNeelieKroesNet NeutralityNetNeutralitypoliticsregulationTrafficWed, 20 Apr 2011 05:55:00 EST<![CDATA[House of Representatives votes to block FCC's net neutrality rules]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rul/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rul/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rul/#comments Well, it looks like Republicans in the House of Representatives weren't about to let this one slip past a possible government shutdown -- they just passed a measure that seeks to block the FCC's net neutrality rules by a largely party line vote of 240 to 179. That follows a House subcommittee vote last month but, as then, the bill still faces an uphill battle in the Senate and with the President, who's expected to veto any such legislation if it somehow got to his desk. Not surprisingly, the rhetoric from both sides is only increasing following this latest development, with Democrat Rep. Henry Waxman saying the Republican bill would "end the internet as we know it," while Republican Rep. Fred Upton argues that "the internet is not broken and this bill will assure that the FCC does not break it."

House of Representatives votes to block FCC's net neutrality rules originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billbreaking newsfcchousehouse of representativesHouseOfRepresentativeslegislationnet neutralitynet neutrality rulesNetNeutralityNetNeutralityRulesvoteFri, 08 Apr 2011 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon and MetroPCS objections to FCC net neutrality rules dismissed in case of premature litigation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/verizon-and-metropcs-objections-to-fcc-net-neutrality-rules-dism/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/verizon-and-metropcs-objections-to-fcc-net-neutrality-rules-dism/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/verizon-and-metropcs-objections-to-fcc-net-neutrality-rules-dism/#comments The FCC wants to put new rules in place ensuring access to the web is, like justice, blind to where a person is coming from and indifferent to where on the web he is going to. Verizon's first reaction to these new directives was to publicly decry them as overreaching, and its second was to file a lawsuit, one that was swiftly echoed by MetroPCS. Only problem with their plans? The rules haven't yet been published in the Federal Register, which renders the legal challenges from the two eager mobile carriers "incurably" premature. Such was the determination of the US Court of Appeals, which refused to make a substantive ruling and just threw the cases out due to the technicality. Verizon isn't discouraged, however, and promises to bide its time until all the dominoes have fallen into place before launching another legal attack. Hey, whatever keeps those lawyers in their fancy suits.

Verizon and MetroPCS objections to FCC net neutrality rules dismissed in case of premature litigation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengecourtfccgovernancegovernmentlawlawsuitlegallitigationmetropcsnet neutralitynet neutrality rulesNetNeutralityNetNeutralityRulesobjectionprematureregulationregulatoryrulesstatetechnicalityverizonMon, 04 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Google gives Georgia Tech $1 million to build a benchmark for the open internet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/google-gives-georgia-tech-1-million-to-build-a-benchmark-for-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/google-gives-georgia-tech-1-million-to-build-a-benchmark-for-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/google-gives-georgia-tech-1-million-to-build-a-benchmark-for-th/#commentsGoogle gives Georgia Tech $1 million to build a benchmark for the open internetYou can benchmark the cycles of your CPU, power of your GPU, speed of your internet connection, and a myriad of other seemingly important things. However, there's one missing benchmark that could make all those seem rather frivolous: the openness of your connection. Google wants one and has just awarded Georgia Tech a $1 million grant over two years (with a possible $500k bonus for a third year) to come up with a benchmark capable of detecting just how neutral your net is. When ready, it'll look for any artificial throttling that's been set in place and will also check for evidence of digital censorship. No word on when an early version might see release, but hopefully it comes before we need to start paying extra for the ability to download non-ISP-approved content.

Continue reading Google gives Georgia Tech $1 million to build a benchmark for the open internet

Google gives Georgia Tech $1 million to build a benchmark for the open internet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchmarkgeorgia techGeorgiaTechgooglegrantnet neutralityNetNeutralityopen internetOpenInternettransparent internetTransparentInternetTue, 22 Mar 2011 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Tim Berners-Lee signs up to verily protect UK net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/sir-tim-berners-lee-signs-up-to-verily-protect-uk-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/sir-tim-berners-lee-signs-up-to-verily-protect-uk-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/sir-tim-berners-lee-signs-up-to-verily-protect-uk-net-neutrality/#commentsSir Tim Berners-Lee signs up to protect net neutrality in UK, huzzah Here in the US we're still looking for a knight in shining armor to protect our free and open internet, but in the UK they've found their guy. Now they just need some plate mail. It's Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, the man who first proposed the World Wide Web to the World Wide World in 1989. He'll be working with the UK's Broadband Stakeholder Group to ensure that any traffic management policies that go into effect are done with transparency and within a set of defined best practices. That is to say: corporations will still have an opportunity to address threats to the overall health of their networks, but they'll need to do so in an open way. Communications Minister Ed Vaizey summarized it thusly:
That agreement should be guided by three simple principles. The first is users should be able to access all legal content. Second, there should be no discrimination against content providers on the basis of commercial rivalry and finally traffic management policies should be clear and transparent.
So, that's good news for those across the pond. Here in the US, well, we'll just keep braiding our hair and singing out the tower window as loudly as possible. Or maybe it's time to give Tim Wu a sword.

[Photo credit: Paul Clarke]

Sir Tim Berners-Lee signs up to verily protect UK net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Broadband Stakeholder GroupBroadbandStakeholderGroupenglandnet neutralityNetNeutralityopen internetOpenInternettim berners-leeTimBerners-leeukworld wide webWorldWideWebThu, 17 Mar 2011 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[House subcommittee votes to block FCC's net neutrality rules]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/house-subcommittee-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/house-subcommittee-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/house-subcommittee-votes-to-block-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/#comments They may face an uphill battle given the numbers in the Senate (not to mention a Democratic President), but it doesn't look like the House Republicans will be softening their opposition to the FCC's new net neutrality rules anytime soon. Following a full vote on an amendment to a spending bill in the House of Representatives last month (which just died in the Senate yesterday), the House Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology has now passed a new measure that, if it ultimately adopted, would completely overturn the FCC's new rules. The measure now heads to the Energy and Commerce Committee but, as before, it's unlikely that anything will change in the Senate even it ultimately passes in the full House -- that certainly won't stop opponents of the rules from trying, though.

House subcommittee votes to block FCC's net neutrality rules originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcchousehouse of representativeshouse republicansHouseOfRepresentativesHouseRepublicansNet NeutralityNetNeutralityrepublicansvoteThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[House of Representatives votes to block net neutrality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/house-of-representatives-votes-to-block-net-neutrality/#comments The net neutrality debate was sadly destined to be swallowed up by left-right posturing once the FCC voted 3-2 to impose a compromise set of access rules on the ISP industry, and it appears the ensuing political theater is nearing its zenith: the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted yesterday to block funding for the FCC's proposed rules. We call it theater only because it's largely for show -- in order to take effect, the budget amendment would have to pass the Democratically-controlled Senate and be signed by the President, and neither of those things is likely to happen. What's more, the actual rules passed by the FCC have already been challenged in the courtroom by Verizon and MetroPCS, so it's not like the industry needs any additional help at the moment. Still, there's a part of us that's happy this issue is even being talked about at the highest levels, rather than being left to languish in administrative rulemaking hell like so many other FCC initiatives -- and we have a feeling we'll be talking about this for a long time to come.

House of Representatives votes to block net neutrality originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CongressFccHouse Of RepresentativesHouseOfRepresentativesLegalNet NeutralityNetNeutralityPolicyFri, 18 Feb 2011 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Net neutrality expert Tim Wu named senior advisor to the FTC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/net-neutrality-expert-tim-wu-named-senior-advisor-to-the-ftc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/net-neutrality-expert-tim-wu-named-senior-advisor-to-the-ftc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/net-neutrality-expert-tim-wu-named-senior-advisor-to-the-ftc/#commentsThe Federal Trade Commission just appointed outspoken anti-DRM advocate Ed Felten as its first Chief Technologist a few months ago, and it's now made another fairly bold move with the appointment of Tim Wu as a senior advisor. As any Engadget Show viewer is no doubt well aware, Wu is not only a noted net neutrality expert, he actually coined the term, and he's not exactly shy to make his opinions on the matter known. He won't strictly be dealing with net neutrality at the FTC, though -- Chairman Jon Leibowitz says that he will instead be "working on issues at the nexus of consumer protection, competition, law and technology." For his part, Wu will be taking a leave from his position at Columbia Law School to take on the new job (which he'll begin February 14th), and it seems like he'll also be a bit less outspoken on Twitter -- his most recent tweet noted that there would be "no more policy tweets" starting next week. Head on past the break to watch our full interview with Wu from last fall.

Continue reading Net neutrality expert Tim Wu named senior advisor to the FTC

Net neutrality expert Tim Wu named senior advisor to the FTC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>federal trade commissionFederalTradeCommissionftcnet neutralityNetNeutralitytim wuTimWuvideowuTue, 08 Feb 2011 20:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon can now throttle top five percent of bandwidth hogs, downres multimedia transfers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/verizon-can-now-throttle-top-five-percent-of-bandwidth-hogs-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/verizon-can-now-throttle-top-five-percent-of-bandwidth-hogs-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/verizon-can-now-throttle-top-five-percent-of-bandwidth-hogs-down/#comments Nice timing, Verizon. Just as thousands -- possibly zillions -- of smartphone users are pondering the switch to Big Red for Apple's iPhone 4, the carrier has slipped in two critical policy changes that are apparently effective immediately. Tucked within loads of fine print in a new PDF that surfaced on the company's site, there's this:
"Verizon Wireless strives to provide customers the best experience when using our network, a shared resource among tens of millions of customers. To help achieve this, if you use an extraordinary amount of data and fall within the top 5 percent of Verizon Wireless data users we may reduce your data throughput speeds periodically for the remainder of your then current and immediately following billing cycle to ensure high quality network performance for other users at locations and times of peak demand. Our proactive management of the Verizon Wireless network is designed to ensure that the remaining 95 percent of data customers aren't negatively affected by the inordinate data consumption of just a few users."
To our knowledge, this is the first time that VZW has taken a notable position on throttling, and the link to its stance on net neutrality (as it applies to wireless, anyway) is fairly obvious. What's most interesting to us is the five percent of data users figure; the top one or two percent isn't a huge amount, and there's a good chance that bandwidth abusers are up in that echelon. But we're guessing that quite a few business travelers will fall within this particular range, and given that VZW now holds the right to throttle data for your existing billing cycle and the next one... well, good luck gritting your teeth and lasting through that two-year contract.

In related news, the company is also implementing optimization and transcoding technologies in its network, which is a politically correct way of explaining that it can downres any multimedia you try to send through Verizon's pipes. Head on past the break for the full quote.

Continue reading Verizon can now throttle top five percent of bandwidth hogs, downres multimedia transfers

Verizon can now throttle top five percent of bandwidth hogs, downres multimedia transfers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gbroadbanddata capdata capsdata discriminationDataCapDataCapsDataDiscriminationdownloadsltemobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnet neutralityNetNeutralityspeedspeedsthrottlethrottlingverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwwanThu, 03 Feb 2011 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Al Franken calls net neutrality the 'free speech issue of our time,' proposes stricter FCC regulations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/al-franken-calls-net-neutrality-the-free-speech-issue-of-our-ti/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/al-franken-calls-net-neutrality-the-free-speech-issue-of-our-ti/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/al-franken-calls-net-neutrality-the-free-speech-issue-of-our-ti/#comments We hate to see something we hold as dear to our hearts as the internet become so deeply mired in politics, but this whole net neutrality thing is serious business. The FCC released its full rules just before running home to sip some eggnog but still it didn't take long for companies like Verizon to register their discontent. Now senators Maria Cantwell and Al Franken are voicing their own dissent, saying that the FCC "does not do nearly enough to protect consumers" and that the pair's "Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011" will. Among other things it explicitly prevents the creation of "fast lanes" for premium content, keeping ISPs from charging extra for content they like or slowing down stuff they don't. The full details are in the PDF on the other end of the source link, and if you're wondering what happens next we have a dramatization embedded below.

Continue reading Al Franken calls net neutrality the 'free speech issue of our time,' proposes stricter FCC regulations

Al Franken calls net neutrality the 'free speech issue of our time,' proposes stricter FCC regulations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al frankenAlFrankenand Consumer Protection Act of 2011Broadband PromotionfccgovernmentinternetInternet FreedomInternetFreedommaria cantwellMariaCantwellnet neutralityNetNeutralitynetwork neutralityNetworkNeutralityvideoThu, 27 Jan 2011 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix passes 20 million subscribers; focuses on ISP disputes, HBO, Facebook in Q4 results]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/netflix-passes-20-million-subscribers-turns-an-eye-towards-isp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/netflix-passes-20-million-subscribers-turns-an-eye-towards-isp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/netflix-passes-20-million-subscribers-turns-an-eye-towards-isp/#comments Netflix just released its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and of no surprise to anyone who was paying attention last year it did quite well by passing 20 million subscribers, more than double its base at the start of 2009. However, per Biggie's Law mo money = mo problems, and it took the opportunity to respond, surprisingly sharply, to potential threats from its Hollywood content providers and the ISPs its Watch Instantly service streams over. News of note going into 2011? A huge focus on personalization including new integration with Facebook and a mention that Apple TV has already surpassed the iPad in viewing hours. It also showed off the one-click Netflix button on an unspecified (looks like Toshiba to us) remote and compared the "consternation" over its success to the rise of Fox as a broadcast network two decades ago. We'll hop on the earnings call in a few minutes for more details, check after the break for more of the details.

Continue reading Netflix passes 20 million subscribers; focuses on ISP disputes, HBO, Facebook in Q4 results

Netflix passes 20 million subscribers; focuses on ISP disputes, HBO, Facebook in Q4 results originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastearningsfinancialshbolevel 3Level3Net NeutralitynetflixNetNeutralityq4q4 2010Q42010starzstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 26 Jan 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MetroPCS takes a cue from Verizon, appeals FCC's net neutrality code]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/metropcs-takes-a-cue-from-verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/metropcs-takes-a-cue-from-verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/metropcs-takes-a-cue-from-verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality/#commentsIt's not just Big Red taking issue with the FCC's final stance on net neutrality, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise -- landline and wireless operators tend to do a pretty good job harmonizing their opinions on regulatory issues, and net neutrality is about as big of a regulatory issue as you're going to get. Next up to drop the legal hammer is MetroPCS, filing this week with the Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and saying that it wants to make sure "the concerns of competitive wireless carriers, like MetroPCS, are addressed." Interestingly, the company specifically calls out net neutrality complaints against its new 4G plans -- which stratify non-browser data usage as a separate category with its own bucket -- as one of the reasons it's filing the appeal; separately, the carrier says that it's going to formally respond to those complaints next month, so it's clearly not ready to back down and rethink its LTE strategy. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

MetroPCS takes a cue from Verizon, appeals FCC's net neutrality code originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealfcclawsuitmetropcsnet neutralityNetNeutralityTue, 25 Jan 2011 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon appeals FCC's net neutrality rules]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/verizon-appeals-fccs-net-neutrality-rules/#comments Verizon's gone to the US Court of Appeals in Washington, DC today to officially take issue with the net neutrality policy that the FCC laid out in the waning moments of 2010, saying that it's "deeply concerned by the FCC's assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself." The company's extremely brief press release on the matter doesn't detail where their issues lie, specifically, but they'd said back in December that they had concerns, so the move doesn't come as a terribly big surprise. If we had to guess, the no-blocking rules surrounding wireless networks are certainly high on that list of concerns -- Verizon and others have long said that wireless needs to be left largely out of the net neutrality debate -- but we won't know until we're able to dig into the court case. Follow the break for the press release.

Continue reading Verizon appeals FCC's net neutrality rules

Verizon appeals FCC's net neutrality rules originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfccnet neutralityNetNeutralityverizonThu, 20 Jan 2011 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[MetroPCS alleged to be violating net neutrality rules with new LTE plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/metropcs-alleged-to-be-violating-net-neutrality-rules-with-new-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/metropcs-alleged-to-be-violating-net-neutrality-rules-with-new-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/metropcs-alleged-to-be-violating-net-neutrality-rules-with-new-l/#comments Well, it looks like the fine print in MetroPCS' new LTE pricing plans is causing more than just some confusion among MetroPCS customers -- as CNET reports, it's now also drawn the ire of several public interest groups, who allege that the carrier is violating the FCC's new net neutrality rules. For those not familiar with the new plans, they include a $40 plan for unlimited web browsing plus YouTube, and a $50 plan that adds 1GB of "additional data access" that covers things not considered to be "web browsing" by MetoPCS -- Netflix, Skype, etc. That, in effect, creates two different types of "data," and leaves MetroPCS as the only voice deciding what gets included in one plan and not the other. For its part, MetroPCS insists that its "new rate plans comply with the FCC's new rules on mobile open Internet," and that it is simply offering "increased consumer choice" by offering different rate plans.

MetroPCS alleged to be violating net neutrality rules with new LTE plans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLtedatafccltemetropcsnet neutralitynet neutrality rulesNetNeutralityNetNeutralityRulesWed, 12 Jan 2011 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[BT 'Content Connect' lets ISPs charge content providers for high-speed video delivery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/bt-content-connect-lets-isps-charge-content-providers-for-high/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/bt-content-connect-lets-isps-charge-content-providers-for-high/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/bt-content-connect-lets-isps-charge-content-providers-for-high/#commentsWe haven't heard a ton of talk about net neutrality here at CES, but the issue has now cropped up in a fairly big way across the pond -- British Telecom's wholesale division has just rolled out a service it calls "Content Connect," which basically allows ISPs relying on BT's network to charge content providers like YouTube for high-speed delivery of video within the UK. That naturally means that anyone who doesn't pay will have to deal with slower video delivery, which would in a very real sense create a two-tier internet. For its part, BT insists that it "supports the concept of net neutrality," and it says that the new service will actually speed up download speeds even for those that don't pay up, as it would ease network congestion. All which, of course, echoes some of the core arguments we've been hearing for years now, and won't likely stop hearing anytime soon.

[Thanks, Pete]

BT 'Content Connect' lets ISPs charge content providers for high-speed video delivery originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british telecomBritishTelecombtbt content connectbt wholesaleBtContentConnectBtWholesalecontent connectContentConnecthigh-speedhigh-speed videoHigh-speedVideoispispsnet neutralityNetNeutralitytwo tiertwo-tierTwoTierukvideovideo deliveryVideoDeliveryFri, 07 Jan 2011 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC releases full net neutrality rules]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/fcc-releases-full-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/fcc-releases-full-net-neutrality-rules/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/fcc-releases-full-net-neutrality-rules/#comments Here's a fine Christmas Eve present from Uncle Sam: the FCC has just released the full text of the net neutrality rules it passed earlier this week by a hotly-debated 3-2 vote. The rules are basically what we expected: the three basic rules require ISPs to be transparent about their network management practices, and further forbid them from blocking any lawful application or service or discriminating against different types of traffic. The biggest tweak comes in the language around paid prioritization, which would let some companies pay for selectively faster access to an ISP's customers -- the FCC is pretty clear that such arrangements will be heavily scrutinized and probably won't pass muster. And then, of course, there's wireless, which is subject only to the transparency and no-blocking rules; the FCC decided to take "measured steps" with mobile because it believes that is still too new and fluid. We'll have a full breakdown later today, but hit the source and check out the full rules yourself -- you're going to be hearing a lot about them over the next few weeks.

[Thanks, Phil]

FCC releases full net neutrality rules originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcclegalnet neutralityNetNeutralitypolicyreport and orderReportAndOrderruleswirelessFri, 24 Dec 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/net-neutrality-the-carriers-react/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/net-neutrality-the-carriers-react/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/net-neutrality-the-carriers-react/#comments Amazingly, the FCC still hasn't released the full text of the net neutrality rules it passed by a contentious 3-2 vote yesterday, so we can't really say much about what's in them -- and while this sort of delay is typical of the Genachowski FCC, it hasn't stopped the carriers from issuing statements on the new rules. We've got to say, responses to the new rules range all over the map: Sprint commended the FCC, T-Mobile needs some time to look things over, AT&T called it a "fair middle ground" but railed about "radical voices" and "heavy-handed government regulation" (seriously) and Verizon -- well, Verizon issued what appears to be a veiled threat to sue everyone. That's pretty interesting, since it sure looks to us like the FCC all but rubber-stamped last summer's Google / Verizon neutrality proposal, but you never know what's happening behind closed doors -- and remember, Verizon's last major policy statement was a call to revamp the entire Telecommunications Act, so Big Red might have bigger plans in store. We've rounded up all the reactions below -- check 'em out.

Continue reading Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react

Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcarriersctianet neutralityNetNeutralitysprintsprint nextelSprintNextelt-mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsaverizonwirelessWed, 22 Dec 2010 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC: We didn't impose stricter net neutrality regulations on wireless because Android is open]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-we-didnt-impose-stricter-net-neutrality-regulations-on-wir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-we-didnt-impose-stricter-net-neutrality-regulations-on-wir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-we-didnt-impose-stricter-net-neutrality-regulations-on-wir/#comments Rest assured that we're working on a full analysis of the FCC's major net neutrality decision today, but the Commission hasn't actually released the full text of the order yet, and we just came across something in the press release we wanted to break out: one of the specific reasons the FCC gives for regulating wireless broadband more lightly than wireline is the release of Android. Seriously -- the release says that only "measured steps" to regulating wireless are necessary because "open operating systems like Android" have been released, and that it wants to see how Verizon and other 700MHz spectrum winners handle the hotly-contested openness requirement when building out 4G. Here's the full quote:
Further, we recognize that there have been meaningful recent moves toward openness, including the introduction of open operating systems like Android. In addition, we anticipate soon seeing the effects on the market of the openness conditions we imposed on mobile providers that operate on upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum, which includes Verizon Wireless, one of the largest mobile wireless carriers in the U.S.

In light of these considerations, we conclude it is appropriate to take measured steps at this time to protect the openness of the Internet when accessed through mobile broadband.
Now, we obviously love Android, and there's no doubt that Google's OS has been part of some wonderfully furious competition in the mobile space recently. But we're not sure any of that has anything to do with net neutrality -- it doesn't matter how open your OS is when you're stuck with a filtered and throttled connection, and it's a pretty huge stretch to think Android's openness (however you want to define it) has anything to do with network access itself. And let's not forget that the primary proponent of the 700MHz open-access rules was Google, which promptly flip-flopped on the issue when it became Verizon's policy BFF after the Droid launch -- if we were slightly more paranoid, we'd be pretty sure there's a link between the FCC's Android mention and the combined furious lobbying of Google and Verizon. Nice try, boys -- but how about you make with the actual rules now?

FCC: We didn't impose stricter net neutrality regulations on wireless because Android is open originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfccgooglenet neutralityNetNeutralityopenverizonTue, 21 Dec 2010 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC passes limited net neutrality rules, almost no one happy about them]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-passes-limited-net-neutrality-rules-almost-no-one-happy-abo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-passes-limited-net-neutrality-rules-almost-no-one-happy-abo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/fcc-passes-limited-net-neutrality-rules-almost-no-one-happy-abo/#comments
Well, no surprises here -- the FCC just passed a set of limited net neutrality rules by a 3-2 vote. The three Democratic Commissioners, including FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, voted yes, while the two Republican Commissioners both strongly dissented -- to quote Commissioner Meredith Baker, "I really, really, really dissent." The rules haven't been made public yet, but the general understanding is that wired broadband will be more heavily regulated than wireless -- a crucial point as carriers begin investigating pay-per-service charges. That means even net neutrality advocates are unhappy with today's decision -- Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps straight-up said, "Today's action could -- and should -- have gone further." What's more, we're hearing that Verizon is already considering a challenge -- which is odd since the rules appear to track closely with that joint Verizon / Google proposal from the summer. We're still waiting on the full text of the rules and will post a complete breakdown once we get them, but for now hit the source link and check out Genachowski's remarks on the regulations.

P.S. - Need a net neutrality refresher? Check out this awesome (and educational) animation and interview with Columbia law professor Tim Wu!

FCC passes limited net neutrality rules, almost no one happy about them originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfccjulius genachowskiJuliusGenachowskinet neutralityNetNeutralityTue, 21 Dec 2010 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless carriers openly considering charging per service (update: audio)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/wireless-carriers-openly-considering-charging-per-service/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/wireless-carriers-openly-considering-charging-per-service/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/19/wireless-carriers-openly-considering-charging-per-service/#comments That slide above is no joke -- it comes from a marketing webinar put on by two companies that count Verizon, AT&T and Vodafone as clients, and it describes a system that identifies customer internet activity and charges a different rate for using Facebook than watching YouTube, while allowing access to Vodafone services for free. Yes, that's basically the nightmare scenario for net neutrality advocates. The two companies behind the slide are Allot Communications and Openet, which sell subscriber-management tools to carriers around the world -- tools that Allot's director of marketing says can scan even encrypted packets to determine what service customers are using and charge accordingly. We're not making this up -- here's the direct quote from the webinar:
[We use] a number of different methods to accurately identify the application -- methods like heuristic analysis, behavioral and historical analysis, deep packet inspection, and a number of other techniques. What's key is that we have the best application identification available on the market, which means that even applications that are encrypted or use other methods to evade detection will be correctly identified and classified... We essentially feed this real-time information about traffic and application usage into the policy and charging system. Each subscriber has a particular service plan that they sign up for, and they're as generic or as personalized as the operator wants.
Yeah, that's not how anyone actually wants the internet to work -- except carriers, who've been saying increasingly insane things about charging even smartphone manufacturers for customer data usage lately. What's more, it's rumored that the FCC will cave to Verizon and AT&T and exempt wireless internet service from major parts of net neutrality regulation it's expected to pass next week, so this nonsense could very well hit the US sooner rather than later. We'll be keeping a close eye on things -- we'll let you know. Meanwhile, listen to the webinar yourself immediately below.

Wireless carriers openly considering charging per service (update: audio) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allot communicationsAllotCommunicationsfccfierce wirelessFierceWirelessnet neutralityNetNeutralityopenetwebinarSun, 19 Dec 2010 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[European carriers want content companies and smartphone makers to pay network usage fees]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/european-carriers-want-content-companies-and-smartphone-makers-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/european-carriers-want-content-companies-and-smartphone-makers-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/european-carriers-want-content-companies-and-smartphone-makers-t/#commentsHow do you start a net neutrality debate without ever saying "net neutrality?" If you're a European wireless carrier like France Telecom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, or Vodafone, you do it by just getting straight to the point: you say companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook need to start paying for continued network access because their devices and services use too much bandwidth. Yep, that's a straight-up network neutrality issue, but the carriers are framing it like it's an accounting problem -- and they're not being shy about wanting more cash to even out the books as they invest in next-gen networks. "It's necessary to put in place a system of payments by service providers as a function of their use," says France Telecom CEO Stephane Richard, while Telefonica CEO Cesar Alierta says that Google and Yahoo's free use of his network is a "tragedy" that "can't continue." (No, we're not making this up.)

In addition to shaking down service providers and device makers, European carriers are also following AT&T and Verizon to tiered data plans -- France Telecom is will move from unlimited pricing to something "more sophisticated," and the other networks expected to follow. What's most interesting to us is that the carriers are appearing to conflate bandwidth-heavy services like Facebook and YouTube with devices that customers use to access those services -- does it really make any sense to charge Apple or Google a fee for making good phones that encourage more network use, on top of charging users for tiered data? That's an unexpected -- and unfortunate -- twist on the standard net neutrality debate, and we're not so sure we want to see where it's going. Read the whole article at the source link, it's a good one.

European carriers want content companies and smartphone makers to pay network usage fees originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleCesar AliertaCesarAliertafacebookfrance telecomFranceTelecomgooglelegalnet neutralityNetNeutralityStephane RichardStephaneRichardTelecom ItaliaTelecomItaliatelefonicavodafonyahooWed, 08 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC addressing net neutrality on December 21st (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/fcc-to-address-net-neutrality-on-december-21st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/fcc-to-address-net-neutrality-on-december-21st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/fcc-to-address-net-neutrality-on-december-21st/#comments Well, well, look at what's been added to a tentative agenda when the FCC meets on December 21st: net neutrality. Here's how the item reads:
Open Internet Order: An Order adopting basic rules of the road to preserve the open Internet as a platform for innovation, investment, competition, and free expression. These rules would protect consumers' and innovators' right to know basic information about broadband service, right to send and receive lawful Internet traffic, and right to a level playing field, while providing broadband Internet access providers with the flexibility to reasonably manage their networks.
Presumably, a draft order is now circulating amongst attendees, the details of which are of the utmost concern for both consumers and wired / wireless providers alike. According to the AP, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will outline his net neutrality proposal in a speech on Wednesday, with plans to bring the new rules to a full vote before the end of the year and ahead of the newly elected Republicans taking their seats in the House.

Update: The AP received an advanced copy of Genachowski's speech. Here are the highlights of the FCC proposal:
  • Wired broadband providers will be required to let subscribers access all legal content, applications, and services with the flexibility to manage network congestion and spam as long as they publicly disclose their network management approach. Broadband providers would also be allowed to experiment with dedicated networks to route traffic from specialized services like smart grids and home security systems as long as they "don't hurt the public internet."
  • Wireless providers would also be required to disclose network management practices and be prohibited from blocking access to web sites or competing applications like cellphone VoIP services. However, they'd be given more flexibility to manage traffic due to relative bandwidth constraints. In other words, wireless networks will still be special under the FCC proposal, just not as special as the plan pitched by Google / Verizon (which only required transparency) over the summer.
  • The proposal would leave the FCC's regulatory framework for broadband unchanged as a lightly regulated "information service," not as a "common carrier" as Genachowski had wanted. Another victory for Comcast.
Update 2: The New York Times says that the proposal will allow broadband companies to implement usage-based pricing, charging customers higher rates for heavy data usage.

FCC addressing net neutrality on December 21st (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccJulius GenachowskiJuliusGenachowskilegalnet neutralityNetNeutralityopen commissionOpenCommissionpolicyregulationregulatoryWed, 01 Dec 2010 03:14:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC looking into Comcast / Netflix blocking threat, Level 3 responds as analysts chime in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/fcc-looking-into-comcast-netflix-blocking-threat-level-3-resp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/fcc-looking-into-comcast-netflix-blocking-threat-level-3-resp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/fcc-looking-into-comcast-netflix-blocking-threat-level-3-resp/#comments News that Comcast had threatened to block internet backbone Level 3, which is one of the companies delivering Watch Instantly streams, sent shockwaves through the industry yesterday. Net neutrality advocates geared up for battle, Comcast insisted it was only enforcing the same arrangements other networks abide by while Roger Ebert and the rest of us fretted over Netflix access. Today, Level 3 issued a response to Comcast, claiming it is "distracting from the fundamental issue" which is free use of all content on the internet for its customers. Meanwhile, Multichannel News points out industry analysts say Level 3's claims of traffic discrimination "appear unfounded" while VideoNuze editor Will Richmond supposes Level 3 may have "bid too aggressively for the Netflix business and is now trying to recover." Most damaging to Level 3's argument are its own words from a dispute where it sought financial compensation from Cogent for using too much of its network's bandwidth:
"For example, Cogent was sending far more traffic to the Level 3 network than Level 3 was sending to Cogent's network. It is important to keep in mind that traffic received by Level 3 in a peering relationship must be moved across Level 3's network at considerable expense. Simply put, this means that, without paying, Cogent was using far more of Level 3's network, far more of the time, than the reverse. Following our review, we decided that it was unfair for us to be subsidizing Cogent's business."
Beyond analyst opinions and posturing the question of whether or not Comcast has the power to set pricing for access to its network, creating the toll road Level 3 is accusing it of being, is still at issue. That will certainly come into play at the FCC, where chairman Julius Genachowski mentioned at today's meeting that the agency is looking into Level 3's claims at the same time it continues to review the joining of Comcast and NBC. As far as your Netflix streams? Safe for now, though the company isn't commenting, Level 3 isn't the only provider it relies on for access and how any deal it might reach with Comcast could affect the service is still unclear.

Update: Comcast has issued its own salvo of PR, including a video meant to breakdown exactly what internet peering is and what it wants to charge Level 3 for, 10 of its own facts about what it is, and is not doing, and a copy of the letter it's sent to the FCC about the issue. You can them all out in full after the break.

Continue reading FCC looking into Comcast / Netflix blocking threat, Level 3 responds as analysts chime in

FCC looking into Comcast / Netflix blocking threat, Level 3 responds as analysts chime in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbandwidthcogentCogent CommunicationsCogentCommunicationsComcastfccGenachowskiinternet videoInternetVideoJulius GenachowskiJuliusGenachowskilevel 3Level3net neutralitynetflixNetNeutralitypeeringtrafficwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 30 Nov 2010 15:56:00 EST