broadband networks

A divided Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Comcast Corp. violated U.S. government policy when it blocked Internet traffic for some subscribers and has ordered the cable giant to change the way it manages its network.

In a precedent-setting move, the FCC by a 3-2 vote on Friday enforced a policy that guarantees customers open access to the Internet.

The commission did not assess a fine, but ordered the company to stop cutting off transfers of large data files among customers who use a special type of "file-sharing" software.

The Federal Communications Commission is reportedly ready to take enforcement action against cable-TV giant Comcast for blocking Internet traffic. An investigation began after complaints from the public-interest group Free Press.

Philadelphia-based Comcast is the country's second-largest Internet service provider, with 14.1 million subscribers.

The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet said he thinks online monitoring services working on behalf of the advertising community should be required to obtain clear approval before tracking the online activities of individuals.

There are notable differences between the typical data gathering that individual Web sites conduct and those deploying deep-packet technologies in broadband networks, Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) noted during a hearing on the impact of deep-packet technologies on consumers, Internet service providers, and the Internet.

Comcast and Pando Networks have agreed to help forge a bill of rights for peer-to-peer file distribution on broadband networks. The companies want to include other industry experts to clarify which choices and controls consumers should have when using P2P.

"Working together, Comcast and Pando can help lead the discussion about what consumers should expect," said Comcast CTO Tony Werner. "Doing so is in the best interest of everyone involved -- ISPs, P2P companies and consumers."

Reaching Consensus