Comcast, after being outed for blocking downloads by the Associated Press, say that they’re not blocking downloads but merely "Bandwidth shaping". OK, whatever you say. Here’s the story…

MSNBC: Comcast: We’re not blocking downloads

Comcast Corp said on Monday that file transfers on peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent may be delayed by bandwidth management technology, but it denied blocking access to any applications or content.

Essentially they’re not technically blocking the peer-to-peer applications from working, that’s true, but they’re preventing it from being useable. It would be like taking the wheels off someone’s car and saying, "What’s your problem, the car still runs doesn’t it?"

What worries me is the effect this will have on net neutrality. Will they "bandwidth shape" my Vonage connection since they sell a competing Voice-Over-IP service? Will they prevent me from using Internet TV sources that are appearing more frequently now since such a service would compete with their cable TV operation? I’ll make the bold prediction that they will do this if they aren’t already doing it quietly.

So, do you think blocking uh, "bandwidth shaping" should be allowed for a company that’s granted monopoly control in most areas where it operates?

Technology
bittorrent, comcast