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.

Sirius Gets DOJ Nod On XM Purchase

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has approved Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $5-billion (U.S.) buyout of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. but the purchase will still require the approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to close the deal. “The likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term,” the Justice Department said. The Globe and Mail has more details here.

Google announces intention to apply to participate in spectrum auction

In a press release, Google announced today it's intention to apply to participate in the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming auction of wireless spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band. "We believe it's important to put our money where our principles are," said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. "Consumers deserve more competition and innovation than they have in today's wireless world. No matter which bidder ultimately prevails, the real winners of this auction are American consumers who likely will see more choices than ever before in how they access the Internet." The auction is part of the federally mandated transition to digital television in order to free up spectrum airwaves for more efficient wireless Internet service for consumers.