Comcast has been using sophisticated blocking technology to stop its customers from using BitTorrent or other such technologies. The Associated Press decided to run some tests to see what’s happening, here’s the article about the results:

AP tests Comcast’s file-sharing filter

In two out of three tries, the transfer was blocked. In the third, the transfer started only after a 10-minute delay. When we tried to upload files that were in demand by a wider number of BitTorrent users, those connections were also blocked.

According to the article, only certain cities Comcast systems had this blocking in place since in some there was no evidence of blocking. The same test with other ISP’s did not reveal any blocking from them.

Here’s my problem with what Comcast is doing.

First of all, it’s their network and infrastructure so they should be allowed to do whatever they want with it. However, since they’ve been granted monopoly rights in many areas by local governments they should either forfeit their right of absolute control or allow open competition beyond just the local phone company’s DSL service.

Also, since, in most cases, local government controls the contracts with Comcast, I’d suggest if you’re unhappy with what they’re doing that you contact your representatives at the local and state level and urge that they deal with this or level the competitive playing field.

Don’t just complain, seek where you can take action against this behavior.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Please leave me a comment if you do.

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bittorrent, comcast