InternetWireless Devices May Be Future P2P Battleground

While AT&T doesn't use tools to block wireless users from file sharing, it's clearly not condoning it.

While the regulatory debate between the FCC and Comcast over the provider's tactics for Internet traffic management may have ended today, the issue of what a service provider can and can't do about users' network use won't fade given a new potential battlefront -- the mobile wireless broadband environment. In a letter released today, the U.S.'s largest wireless carrier AT&T told the FCC that while it does not block mobile wireless users from using P2P applications it does prohibit use that causes "extreme network capacity." The carrier also said it does not use network management tools to block P2P activity. FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell had asked AT&T (NYSE: T) to provide the information regarding its P2P policy during a recent FCC hearing tied to broadband issues. The aspect of P2P file sharing on wireless devices comes into play as more users flock to smartphones for richer mobile Internet experiences and wireless carriers compete to provide good network services for enticing more subscribers. RELATED ARTICLES AT&T Wants Clearwire Plan Petition Dismissed FCC to Uphold Network Complaint vs. Comcast FCC: Traffic Throttling Not 'Comcastic' Comcast Sees VoIP, ISP Growth FCC Chair Pushes for Comcast Censure For more stories on this topic: "Right now this [wireless device P2P activity] is not a huge problem," Jeff Kagan, a telecom analyst, told InternetNews.com, describing most mobile device... [ Read more on www.internetnews.com ]

InternetSun's Near Term Outlook is not too Bright

Heavily reliant on the ailing U.S. economy for sales, the company gives weak guidance for its upcoming fiscal year.

InternetU.S. lawmakers query Internet firms on ad targeting (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. lawmakers are questioning the biggest U.S. Internet companies about whether they track their customers' visits online and use the information to tailor Internet advertisements for them.