FCC now has power to prevent ISPs from selectively blocking traffic

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A divided Federal Communications Commission approved a proposal by Chairman Julius Genachowski to give the FCC power to prevent broadband providers from selectively blocking web traffic.

...

The new FCC rules, for example, would prevent a broadband provider, such as Comcast Corp., AT&T, Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc., from hobbling access to an online video service, such as Netflix, that competes with its own video services.

The rules would also require Internet providers to give subscribers more information on Internet speeds and service. Broadly, the rules would prohibit Internet providers from "unreasonably discriminating" against rivals' Internet traffic or services on wired or wireless networks.

The rules would allow phone and cable companies to offer faster, priority delivery services to Internet companies willing to pay extra. But the FCC proposal contains language suggesting the agency would try to discourage creation of such high-speed toll lanes.

Companies that operate mobile wireless networks would have fewer rules to contend with. Phone companies wouldn't be able to block legal websites from consumers. They also can't block mobile voice or video-conferencing applications. Wireless providers would be allowed to block other applications, however, that they say could take up too much bandwidth on wireless networks.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576033513990668654.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStor

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Companies that operate mobile wireless networks would have fewer rules to contend with. Phone companies wouldn't be able to block legal websites from consumers. They also can't block mobile voice or video-conferencing applications. Wireless providers would be allowed to block other applications, however, that they say could take up too much bandwidth on wireless networks

Apple & AT&T are going to have a ######-fit.

[The_Dude 1,142]

The new FCC rules, for example, would prevent a broadband provider, such as Comcast Corp., AT&T, Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc., from hobbling access to an online video service, such as Netflix, that competes with its own video services.

Wouldn't those fall under predatory business practices, and be subject to anti-trust laws?

Edited December 21, 2010 by Rob & Mel

[mawilson 2,133]

Apple & AT&T are going to have a ######-fit.

Why? Are they blocking websites right now?

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Why? Are they blocking websites right now?

Apple blocks sites on the iPhone/iPad, yes.

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They don't allow certain apps on the app store. Which site do they block me from accessing using Safari or Skyfire?

[mawilson 2,133]

Apple blocks sites on the iPhone/iPad, yes.

I'm not aware of any.

[The_Dude 1,142]

I'm not aware of any.

I think he might be referencing the flash issue that the ipad had when first introduced (ie no porn sites).

[mawilson 2,133]

I think he might be referencing the flash issue that the ipad had when first introduced (ie no porn sites).

There are plenty of porn sites that don't need Flash. Try tube8.com or pornhub.com on your iPad.

[The_Dude 1,142]

There are plenty of porn sites that don't need Flash. Try tube8.com or pornhub.com on your iPad.

I have yet to succumb to fanboi pressures. Although, the iPad is pretty cool, It's just not $500 cool.

[rsn 135]

Apple blocks sites on the iPhone/iPad, yes.

Apple isn't an ISP.

Net neutrality is, in every way conceivable, extremely important to internet users. Finally, the FCC is spending its time on something useful.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Apple isn't an ISP.

Net neutrality is, in every way conceivable, extremely important to internet users. Finally, the FCC is spending its time on something useful.

We can only hope they actually take it seriously, unlike the Comcast investigation they had recently. That was a kangaroo court.

Edited December 21, 2010 by Rob & Mel

[rsn 135]

There are plenty of porn sites that don't need Flash. Try tube8.com or pornhub.com on your iPad.

There are a good number of HTML5 video sites in general. Even Youtube is providing HTML5 viewing.

[rsn 135]

http://www.theopeninter.net/

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There are a good number of HTML5 video sites in general.

In general? Who cares. Porn is king.