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AT&T Ratchets Up Network Neutrality Debate In Letter To FCC

By Matt Kapko - Thu 31 Jul 2008 03:15 PM PST

The network neutrality debate has taken another turn with Robert Quinn, AT&T’s VP on federal regulatory issues, telling FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell that, “use of a P2P file-sharing application would constitute a material breach of contract for which the user’s service could be terminated.” In a letter (pdf) he sent to McDowell in response to questions, Quinn quickly added that the carrier hasn’t kicked anyone off its wireless network yet for using P2P. It’s assumed McDowell will use AT&T’s statement to argue against a proposed order from the FCC that will punish Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA) for allocating less bandwidth to certain content while not being clear about its rules in small print. The order is still expected to pass tomorrow with support from FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and both Democrats that currently hold seats at the FCC. Following Quinn’s letter, questions abound as to whether AT&T’s stance might affect the use of popular applications for the iPhone such as Pandora that clearly fall into the P2P category.

Posted in: Broadband, Companies, Apple, AT&T, Comcast, Entertainment, Music, Legal, FCC, Regulatory



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3 Responses:
  • From digital bear Thu 31 Jul 2008 03:35 PM

    at&t;repeats history.  didn’t they get broken once already and now they are practicing the same old world practices of hegemony by bullying innovation that doesnt suit their needs by threatening litigation-- weak.  whenever these guys (and yes they are generally older guys) feel threatened they go to litigation which is a classic scarety cat move.  where is kenesaw mountain landis on the supreme court when you need him? maybe with mccain fancying himself a new day teddy, we’ll create a new kenesaw!

  • From Jamie Poitra Thu 31 Jul 2008 03:56 PM

    I don’t t know.  There is fine line to where I’m concerned regarding Net Neutrality and where I am not. 

    I don’t have a problem with a provider having upfront terms and truly defending their network from abusive users.

    I do have a problem with a provider getting paid off to either support or not support certain sites, protocols, etc.

    Doesn’t sound like a fine line on the face of it but there is a lot of room in between there for all kinds of weirdness.  Open dialogue on this stuff is good though it appears that in this case the dialogue wasn’t meant to be this open in the case of AT&T;.

  • From charlie Fri 01 Aug 2008 08:21 AM

    I see where att has just donated 1,000000 dollars to the urban league for college scharlships.  With att stock at its lowest point i recognize the need for att to support college student quest for an education.  Mighit i suggest we also make contributions to organizations that provide funds to all students not just one group.  There are deserving students that need help that the urban league will not help.  Lets not discriminate agains anyone and be fair in our help.

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