As you have probably heard by now Comcast has developed a new technology that allows them to block certain BitTorrent file transfers.  Comcast allows BitTorrent users to download files from other users but blocks or slows down attempts to share  completed downloads with other users. They have decided to do this under the premise of improving bandwidth speeds for all users.

The question is do you think it is right for Comcast to decide how you should use the internet service you are paying for. I’m pretty sure there is verbiage in Comcast’s service contract that gives them the authority to deter any usage of their bandwidth, that may have a negative impact on the service of other users. I believe they are within their right as an ISP to do this, but I also believe that they should have went about it in a different way.  I think the best approach would have been to have sent a letter out to all of their users explaining how peer to peer networks work and how this method of file sharing has a tendency to hog bandwidth. Comcast then could let users know that they were going to implement a system that would interfere with BitTorrent usage in an effort to increase internet speeds for all users. A second option would have been to offer  a premium high internet package, boasting higher speeds  due to the blocking of P2P usage. Users then would feel as though they are gaining another option rather than having something taken away.

How do you feel about this issue?

[tags]Comcast , Randy B., Lockergnome, BitTorrent[/tags]