The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is one step closer to convicting Comcast of violating federal policy. Three of five commissioners, Copps, Andelstein, and Martin, have voted in favor of finding the cable giant guilty. If this decision is passed, it has the potential send a clear message against ISPs that hamper people’s ability to use the internet.

The complaint was brought to the FCC’s attention by the Free Press group, a non-partisan organization that “promotes diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications.” Eventually, a motion against Comcast was placed by FCC chairman, Kevin Martin.

On July 10^th, the commission adopted a set of policies to add to the Internet Policy statement for further clarification of consumer’s rights and what entails as “reasonable network management.” According to Ars Technica, the principles are as follows:

• Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice
• Consumers are entitled to run applications and use services of their choice, subject to the network
• Consumers are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network
• Consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers.

The Free Press group is satisfied with the results so far.

This vote reflects the bipartisan support for protecting consumers’ access to the free and open Internet. Comcast’s blocking is a flagrant violation of the online rights established by the FCC… Interent service providers do not get to decide the winners and losers online.

Comcast’s response was more denial of doing anything wrong.

It is always hard to respond to rumors, however, we continue to assert that our network management practices were reasonable, wholly consistent with industry practices and that we did not block access to Web sites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services. We do not believe the record supports any other conclusion.

Once this decision has gone through, its going to tell ISPs that the FCC is serious about upholding the principles outlined in the Internet policy statement. Depending on how many votes the movement receives will indicate just how strongly the FCC upholds their decision. ISPs will not be free to do whatever they see fit to control what services and content consumers will be able to use.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 at 12:15 am under Internet.

Read more entries by TJ Kirchner.
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