Stanford Center for Internet and Society

In the first agency action to apply the principle of “network neutrality” to an Internet service provider, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) ruled on August 20, 2008, that Comcast’s action of selectively blocking peer-to-peer (“P2P”) communications occurring on its network violates the Commission’s Internet Policy Statement. This Statement articulates principles to encourage broadband deployment and preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the public Internet. The FCC ordered Comcast to disclose the details of its network management practices within 30 days, submit a plan to bring its practices into compliance with the Internet Policy Statement, and to cease blocking P2P communications. Comcast has appealed the FCC’s Order to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

FCC Memorandum Opinion & Order on Broadband Industry Practices

CIS Faculty co-directors Larry Lessig and Barbara van Schewick (with Yale's Jack Balkin) separately sent letters to the FCC to commend the Commissioners on the Comcast ruling released today.

Both praised the order as furthering the FCC's policy that the Internet should function as an open platform for innovation.

Audio from Chairman Martin's remarks at the Legal Futures Conference March 7, 2008.

Just posted my newest episode of Rules for the Revolution which discusses Network Neutrality with Alex Curtis of Public Knowledge. Please give it a listen, and let us know what you think.