Comcast’s Network Practices Need Scrutiny, FCC Chief Says (pdf)

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J. Martin yesterday challenged several of Comcast’s claims about how it operates its Internet network, taking his strongest stance yet against the cable operator.

Martin’s comments (local copy) came during a hearing held by the Senate Commerce Committee on the future of the Internet. Comcast is under investigation for allegedly delaying some Web traffic over its network.

Specifically, Martin said in his testimony that it appeared Comcast had singled out content for delay over its network, even when the network may not have been congested with overuse. He also said he doubted the company’s statements that it would stop some of its practices by the end of the year.

“I believe that we should evaluate the practices with heightened scrutiny,” Martin told lawmakers.

Testimony was given by:

• Ms. Michele Combs
  Vice President of Communications
  Christian Coalition of America
• Dr. Robert Hahn
  Executive Director, Center for Regulatory and Market Studies
  American Enterprise Institute
• Mr. Patric Verrone
  President
  Writers Guild of America, West
• Ms. Justine Bateman
  Actress / Writer / Producer
• Mr. Kyle McSlarrow
  President and CEO
  National Cable & Telecommunications Association
• Professor Lawrence Lessig
  Stanford Law School