FCC to probe claim Comcast blocks P2P

The Federal Communications Commission is to investigate Comcast for allegedly obstructing peer-to-peer file sharing.

For several months experts and consumer groups have been accusing the cable company of trying to prevent its subscribers from using applications such as BitTorrent. Their claims were backed by an Associated Press investigation.

They say Comcast is wrong to discriminate between different applications.

The company has denied acting illegally but admits engaging in "reasonable network management" to "provide all of our customers with a good internet experience".

"We do so consistently with FCC policy," it insisted. "As the FCC noted in its policy statement in 2005, all of the principles to encourage broadband deployment and preserve the nature of the internet are 'subject to reasonable network management.'

"We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good internet experience and we use the latest technologies to manage our network so that they can continue to enjoy these applications."

FCC chairman Kevin Martin has confirmed the regulator will look at Comcast's practices. Speaking at a technology show he said: "Sure, we're going to investigate and make sure that no consumer is going to be blocked.

"The question is going to arise: Are they reasonable network practices? When they have reasonable network practices, they should disclose those and make those public."

Comcast executive vice president David Cohen said: "We look forward to responding to any FCC inquiries regarding our broadband network management."