Netflix’s Comcast deal boosts video speed

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http://www.pressherald.com/news/Netflix_s_Comcast_deal_boosts_video_speed.html

The improvement could figure into the debate over whether federal regulators should try to ensure that all online content providers are treated equally by Internet service providers.

Netflix’s Comcast deal boosts video speed
By Michael Liedtke
The Associated Press
Yesterday at 9:11 PM

SAN FRANCISCO – Netflix’s videos are streaming through Comcast’s Internet service at their highest speeds in 17 months, thanks to a recent deal that bought Netflix a more direct connection to Comcast’s network.

The data released Monday by Netflix Inc. may become another flash point in a debate about whether the Federal Communications Commission should draw up new rules to ensure that all online content providers are treated the same by Internet service providers.

The equal-treatment doctrine, known as net neutrality, has become a thornier topic since January when a federal appeals court overturned the FCC’s regulations on the issue. Net neutrality is also drawing more attention as Comcast tries to gain approval of its proposed $45 billion purchase of Time Warner Cable Inc., another large Internet service provider.

As the world’s largest Internet video subscription service, Netflix has long supported Net neutrality as a way to prevent online service providers from giving better treatment to websites willing to pay additional fees for the privilege. Nevertheless, Netflix agreed in mid-February to pay an undisclosed sum to Comcast Corp. to create a new avenue for its videos to reach Comcast’s service.

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