JWG

FCC Slaps Comcast's Wrist, Sets Net Neutrality Precedent

Larry,

Do I understand this correctly: The FCC has said that Comcast and other internet service providers

(A) cannot charge more or less for bandwidth on the basis of which protocol or application is using it; but

(B) may still charge more for bandwidth at certain times of the day, or for bandwidth in excess of the quota one subscribed for, or for different QOS (quality of service) levels?

And I also wonder if they can offer VOIP as part of a bundle in such a way that they effectively subsidize it (to compete unfairly with "parasitic" VOIP vendors like Vonage). For instance, that your monthly subscription fee covers X amount of bandwidth but bandwidth used by *their* VOIP doesn't count toward quota? (Whereas it must be so counted if it is a third party VOIP provider).

I'm betting some of these questions are still gray zone open issues, but anything you can tell us about this would be welcome.

Thanks
Jim G.