The 'Net is abuzz with news that Federal Communications Commission Chair Kevin Martin favors sanctions (if not fines) against Comcast for blocking P2P traffic, as well as rules to prevent the practice in the future. Who could have predicted this turn of events? In December Martin was Dr. Evil for his rush to relax the FCC's newspaper/TV station cross-ownership rules. But this week he's something close to Dudley Do-Right for his stance on Comcast. Why the sudden change of perception? Has the Chair changed? Fickleness of the mob? Well, Martin is doing the right thing in this instance. So maybe it's a combination of both.

Here are some relevant press releases:

OIC Praises Chairman Martin’s Comments on Comcast Issue; Urges FCC to Take Strong Action to Preserve an Open Internet

Last night, the Associated Press reported that Comcast’s blocking of certain types of Internet traffic was a violation of the FCC’s broadband principles policy statement, and it was reported that he will recommend enforcement action against the company.

In response to this story, Markham Erickson, Executive Director of Open Internet Coalition, issued the following statement:

“Comcast’s blocking of Internet traffic violated the rights of consumers to access the applications and services of their choice – a key part of the FCC’s Broadband Policy Principles. The FCC has received hundreds of pages of comment and conducted two in-depth field hearings on this matter. Based on what we’ve learned, we applaud both the Chairman’s conclusion that Comcast’s actions undermined the FCC’s policy and his desire to shed greater light on these activities. The FCC must take steps to make sure future network management decisions are proper and legitimate.

“We hope the rest of the Commission backs the Chairman’s order. It is critical for the FCC to send a strong signal to other telephone and cable companies that this kind of blocking is unacceptable, and that this behavior will be taken to task when discovered.”

About the Open Internet Coalition: The Open Internet Coalition (www.openinternetcoalition.com) represents consumers, grassroots organizations, and businesses working in pursuit of a shared goal: keeping the Internet fast, open and accessible to all Americans.

And from Free Press:

Consumers Poised for Victory Against Comcast at FCC

WASHINGTON -- According to the Associated Press, the Federal Communications Commission is expected to conclude its investigation on Friday into complaints from Free Press and others that Comcast, the nation's largest cable company, is blocking consumer access to Internet content.

Late last year, the Associated Press caught Comcast secretly blocking the Web sites and services of its competitors. In response, Free Press and members of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition filed a complaint urging the FCC to stop Comcast's harmful blocking and sought fines to deter future violations. Since the FCC launched its investigation in January, tens of thousands of people filed comments with the agency, and hundreds attended public hearings at Harvard and Stanford universities.

Marvin Ammori, general counsel of Free Press and author of the complaint, issued the following statement:

"Nine months ago, Comcast was exposed for blocking free choice on the Internet. At every turn, Comcast has denied blocking, lied to the public and tried to avoid being held accountable. We have presented an open and shut case that Comcast broke the law.

"The FCC now appears ready to take action on behalf of consumers. This is an historic test for whether the law will protect the open Internet. If the commission decisively rules against Comcast, it will be a remarkable victory for organized people over organized money."

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