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Comcast undecided on network management scheme

Despite the fact that it's testing a system to cut back bandwidth for heavy (P2P) users during peak traffic time, Comcast says it hasn't decided on any network management techniques as yet, IDG reports. The FCC issued an order this week requiring Comcast to stop network management that discriminates against certain protocols, like BitTorrent.
Written by Richard Koman, Contributor

Despite the fact that it's testing a system to cut back bandwidth for heavy (P2P) users during peak traffic time, Comcast says it hasn't decided on any network management techniques as yet, IDG reports. The FCC issued an order this week requiring Comcast to stop network management that discriminates against certain protocols, like BitTorrent.

IDG asked Comcast spokesman Charlie Douglas, why not slow all users the same during peak times. The idea seems to be that it's good network policy to penalize the heavy users.

It's the heaviest of users that are directly contributing to the degradation of the service for the other people on the network," he said.
FreePress is dubious and said Comcast deserves watchful scrutiny.
"We have to be skeptical and vigilant," Scott said. "The FCC has required them to disclose all the details so we look forward to seeing that before we can fully evaluate. Any move that doesn't involve blocking consumers' access to the Internet is a positive step but we won't know for sure about this particular practice until we see the details."

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