A divided Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Comcast Corp. violated U.S. government policy when it blocked Web traffic for some subscribers and has ordered the cable giant to change the way it manages its network.

In a precedent-setting move, the FCC by a 3-2 vote on Friday enforced a policy that guarantees customers open access to the Web.

The commission did not assess a fine, but ordered the company to stop cutting off transfers of large notes files among

customers who use a special type of “file-sharing” software.

Comcast says its practices are fair and that the FCC’s so-called network-neutrality “principles” are part of a policy statement and are not enforceable rules.

Republican FCC Chairman Kevin Martin proposed the enforcement action and was joined by Democratic commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps in voting for approval. He was opposed by members of his own party, commissioners Robert McDowell and Deborah Taylor […]

Orginal post by Top Tech News