Subscriber Sues Comcast for Blocking Traffic
November 15th, 2007 by Lynn ErskineA Comcast subscriber has filed a lawsuit against the nation’s largest ISP for blocking peer-to-peer file sharing programs such as BitTorrent. The lawsuit charges Comcast with unfair business practices and seeks class action status — which could mean compensation to California customers.
This complaint comes on the heels of a petition filed by SavetheInternet.com asking the Federal Communications Commission to stop Comcast from such actions because they violate Net Neutrality.
The San Francisco Bay Area subscriber, Jon Hart, charges that Comcast markets its high-speed service “based on claims of ‘lightning fast’ and ‘mind-blowing’ speeds [and promises] ‘unfettered access to all the internet has to offer.’ Nevertheless, [Comcast companies] intentionally and severely impede the use of certain internet applications by their customers…” Hart has built his case around deceptive practices by the cable giant.
Read the lawsuit against Comcast.
Harold Feld of the Media Access Project applauds the lawsuit, but says we need a broader solution: “While I’m glad there’s a Comcast subscriber willing to take this on, I don’t think consumer protection should have to depend on subscribers spending their time, effort, and money… At the very least, the FCC should make it clear that this is not appropriate.”
SavetheInternet.com partners Free Press and Public Knowledge have also asked the FCC to fine Comcast $195,000 for every affected subscriber to deter future violations.
