Aplus.net Blog

Today’s Washington Post tell us that the recent Comcast controversy may have succeeded in finally prodding the FCC to take definitive action regarding the net neutrality issue:

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission yesterday sharply questioned Internet service providers who control consumers’ Web access over their networks, and suggested the agency could intervene against the practice.

Kevin J. Martin made his remarks at an unusual off-site hearing to address complaints that cable provider Comcast restricts the flow of content — such as video and music clips — through file-sharing service BitTorrent. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet and a proponent of so-called net neutrality rules barring online traffic controls, offered opening remarks. “While carriers will assert the need to manage networks in their current state of evolution, we need to remember that Internet freedoms are most properly thought of as consumer-centric,” he said.

The hearing, held at Harvard University, pit Comcast and DSL provider Verizon against legal scholars and public interest advocates who have pushed for open-Internet rules.

… “These are very significant issues, and we don’t take those allegations lightly,” Martin said in opening remarks. “The commission is ready, willing and able to step in and correct any practices that are ongoing today.”

Industry watchers said the chairman’s comments were his strongest yet against the carriers. The prospect of punishment for those who violate the FCC’s 2005 policy statement safeguarding net neutrality could pave the way for legislative action, some analysts said. With the backing of Martin, a Republican, the FCC’s two Democratic commissioners — both supporters of net neutrality — would have the majority.

So, does this mean that action is imminent, or is it simply political-flavored posturing? There’s no way to tell for sure at this point, but it does seem like this issue is regaining some momentum in the public sector. Whatever happens (or doesn’t happen), we’ll keep you informed here at the Aplus.Net Blog.

The original article has many more details; click here to check it out.