Study says some file-sharing uploads hindered

By Peter Kaplan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A study released on Thursday reinforced allegations that Comcast is hindering some file-sharing services, such as BitTorrent, that distribute television shows and movies over its network.

The study issued by German research group Max Planck Institute for Software Systems added fuel to the "network neutrality" debate, concluding that Comcast and privately held cable operator Cox Communications have been slowing down uploads of files on their networks.

The study collected data from thousands of computer users around the world between March 18 and May 15 and found BitTorrent traffic was hindered at all hours of the day and every day of the week.

The network neutrality debate pits open-Internet advocates against some Internet service providers (ISPs), who say they need to take reasonable steps to manage ever-growing traffic on their networks for the good of all users.

"This research proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that consumers, Congress and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) must urgently pursue the complaints against network providers," said Ben Scott, policy director of the nonprofit watchdog group Free Press.

Comcast reiterated its position on Thursday that it "does not, has not, and will not block any websites or online applications, including peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent."

"We have acknowledged that we manage peer-to-peer traffic in a limited manner to minimize network congestion," the company said in a statement.

Cox issued a statement saying the company used "reasonable network management practices" for the benefit of its broadband customers.