FCC Report Hard On Comcast

The Federal Communications Commission has released a report into the packet shaping practices of Comcast Corp., the largest U.S. cable provider. "Should [the FCC] see evidence that providers of telecommunications for internet access or IP-enabled services are violating principles, we will not hesitate to take action to address that conduct," a 67 page ruling said. The FCC also said Comcast had "misleadingly disclaimed any responsibility for the customers' [bandwidth] problems" in reference to their practice of slowing and blocking customers use of peer-to-peer applications such as BitTorrent. In Canada, the CRTC is looking into similar practices by Canada's largest ISP, Bell Inc.

Google Invests $500 Million In Nationwide Broadband

A post on the Official Google Blog yesterday explains Google's investment into a consortium which includes contributions from other heavyweights like Comcast, Intel Capital, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Trilogy Equity Partners for a total investment of $3.2 billion. The group will build on "Clearwires' existing consumer WiMAX business with Sprint's broadband infrastructure and 2.5 GHz spectrum to create a new nationwide wireless broadband network." Larry Alder, Product Manager at Google writes "In particular, the network will: (1) expand advanced high speed wireless Internet access in the U.S., (2) allow consumers to utilize any lawful applications, content and devices without blocking, degrading or impairing Internet traffic and (3) engage in reasonable and competitively-neutral network management." Of course Google intends to support the initiative with technology as well as money and it is clear that the network will be a catalyst for android powered devices.