• Read comments by Free Press on the FCC's national broadband plan to bring high-speed Internet to all Americans. Or, read the press release.

The Comcast Filings

In 2008, in response to a petition and complaint by Free Press and allied organizations, the FCC launched an investigation into cable giant Comcast for illegally blocking Internet traffic.

In a landmark ruling for Internet freedom, a bipartisan majority at the FCC in August published an enforcement order against the company. The order requires Comcast to stop its illegal blocking of Internet content and to disclose to the agency all "network management" practices.

• Read the FCC's enforcement order.(August 2008)

Free Press' complete FCC filings on Comcast are available below.

Formal Complaint by Free Press et al. Against Comcast

In response to three independent tests proving Comcast was blocking Internet traffic (despite the company’s public denials), Free Press and allied organizations file a complaint with the FCC asserting that the company had violated the agency’s open Internet principles. (November 2007)

Petition for Declaratory Ruling by Free Press et al.

Free Press and allied organizations, including some of the most prominent law schools in the country, also file a Petition for Declaratory Ruling against Comcast. (November 2007)

Comments on Petition by Free Press et al. for Declaratory Ruling

The FCC, acting on the Free Press petition, requested comment from the public. Public interest organizations, led by Free Press, file extensive comments documenting Comcast’s interference with user activity. (February 2008)

Testimony of Marvin Ammori at FCC Hearing on Comcast Blocking

The FCC held a hearing at Harvard University and invited Free Press General Counsel Marvin Ammori to testify. Ammori explained to the FCC that they must choose between a free, open and democratic Internet, or one controlled by Internet gatekeepers. (February 2008)

Reply Comments on Petition by Free Press et al. for Declaratory Ruling

In these reply comments, public interest groups, led by Free Press, rebut the unfounded claims made by Comcast and other Internet Service Providers and describe the current status of broadband in the United States. (February 2008)

Testimony of Ben Scott at FCC Hearing on Comcast Blocking

The FCC held a second hearing on the future of the Internet at Stanford University and invited Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott to testify. Scott explained why the hearing was a pivotal moment in Internet policymaking. (April 2008)

Third Filing on Petition by Free Press et al. for Declaratory Ruling

Free Press files a set of documents clearly establishing the FCC’s authority to act against Internet providers who violate the four open Internet principles adopted by the FCC in 2005. The filing further rebuts arguments made by Comcast over the preceding months. (June 2008)

Fourth Filing on Petition by Free Press et al. for Declaratory Ruling

Free Press and allied organizations file a document to respond to and expose the false statements made by Comcast throughout the investigation. (July 2008)

Ex Parte on Comcast's Disclosure of Network Interference

Free Press applauds Comcast for reversing course and disclosing to the FCC the public details of its interference with users' Internet traffic. Nonetheless, Free Press expresses concern about present and future disclosure. (October 2008)

Other FCC Filings

Comments on Broadband Practices Notice of Inquiry

Responding to a call by the FCC for information on the topic of Net Neutrality, consumer groups, including Free Press, file comments demonstrating how "non-discrimination" provisions like Net Neutrality have governed the nation's communications networks since the 1930s. (June 2007)