FCC Chastises Comcast for Blocking Internet Users' File Sharing

WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators issued a warning to all Internet service providers Friday with a sharp rebuke of Comcast Corp. for blocking some customers from using file-sharing technology. By a 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission found that the cable company failed to tell its subscribers about the blocking, lied about it when confronted by the commission and tried to cripple online video sites that compete with its on-demand service. Comcast's profit rises 8%, helped by Internet service revenue Supporters said the FCC decision would set a landmark precedent in the battle over whether Internet service providers can give priority to certain types of traffic, an issue known as network neutrality.

But its long-term effect depends largely on who sits in the White House next year. Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is a strong supporter of enacting net neutrality rules. His likely Republican challenger, Sen. John McCain, opposes them.

The FCC ordered Comcast to stop the blocking and provide details about its Internet practices, but declined to fine the Philadelphia-based Internet service provider, the nation's second-largest.

“The commission will remain vigilant in protecting consumers' access to content on the Internet," said FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin, a Republican who voted with the commission's two Democrats. Comcast denied any wrongdoing and said it was considering a court challenge.