Comcast insists that P2P file sharing is not blocked

Internet service provider (ISP) Comcast Corp. is this week claiming that peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfers are presently experiencing delays because of nothing more than bandwidth management issues, and have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with any form of blocking or access denial on Comcast’s part. Comcast Corp. maintains that it does not block or favour certain content, including P2P BitTorrent files, across its ISP network. Credit: Comcast.

Comcast Corp. maintains that it does not block or favour certain content, including P2P BitTorrent files, across its ISP network. Credit: Comcast.Existing as the largest cable television provider and the second biggest ISP in the United States, any uncovered activity in actually favouring or blocking certain content across its network would likely be viewed as hugely controversial for Comcast Corp/ in terms of acting against net neutrality, reports the Reuters news agency.However, an Associated Press report has claimed that nationwide tests it carried out over the weekend has revealed that the uploading of content to P2P networks (such as BitTorrent) was indeed being prevented by Comcast. By way of quick response, Comcast has issued an official statement denying any such blocking activity or accusations that it governs the flow of content across its network. It did, however, note that it manages the bandwidth of its network so as to assure its customers the best experience possible. "Comcast does not block access to any Web sites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent," outlined the Philadelphia-based company before insisting that digital files and P2P files can be transferred through its network without any restriction."We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good Internet experience and we use the latest technologies to manage our network so that they can continue to enjoy these applications," added the company while conceding that its approach to bandwidth shaping (the focused constraining of delivery pipes) could potentially delay file transfers and delivery.