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Washington PostComcast said yesterday that
it purposely slows down some traffic on its network, including some music and movie downloads, an admission that sparked more controversy in the debate over how much control network operators should have over the Internet.
In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission, Comcast said such measures -- which can slow the transfer of music or video between subscribers sharing files, for example -- are necessary to ensure better flow of traffic over its network.
In defending its actions, Comcast stepped into one of the technology industry's most divisive battles. Comcast argues that it should be able to direct traffic so networks don't get clogged; consumer groups and some Internet companies argue that the networks should not be permitted to block or slow users' access to the Web.
Comcast's FCC filing yesterday was in response to petitions to the agency by the consumer group Free Press and the online video provider Vuze, which claimed that the cable company was abusing its control over its network to impede video competition.
Washington PostRead more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/12/AR2008021202778.html?hpid%3Dmoreheadlines&sub=AR
Comcast's admission of its actions, which disregards implied level of service agreement with its subscribers, requires everyone’s attention.