Study finds file-sharing slowed down by Comcast
WASHINGTON - A study released yesterday reinforced allegations that Comcast Corp. is hindering some file-sharing services, such as BitTorrent, that distribute television shows and movies over its network.
The study issued by German research group Max Planck Institute for Software Systems added fuel to the "network neutrality" debate, concluding that Comcast and cable operator Cox Communications have been slowing down uploads of files on their networks.
The study collected data from computer users around the world between March 18 and yesterday and found BitTorrent traffic was hindered at all hours of the day and every day of the week.
The neutrality debate pits open-Internet advocates against some service providers, who say they need to take reasonable steps to manage traffic on their networks for the good of all users.
"This research proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that consumers, Congress, and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) must urgently pursue the complaints against network providers," said Ben Scott, policy director of the nonprofit watchdog group Free Press.
Comcast reiterated its position that it "does not, has not, and will not block any websites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent." A Cox spokesman could not be reached for comment.
