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The Associated Press conducted nationwide tests of Comcast's data networks, and confirmed that the organization actively interferes with its high-speed Internet subscribers file-sharing attempts.
If the same practices were applied by other broadband providers, BitTorrent and other file sharing software would be disabled. A spokesperson from the number two broadband provider denied AP's findings, saying "Comcast does not block access to any applications, including BitTorrent." Analysts theorize that Comcast's interference is simply a way of keeping the growth of network usage under control, and keeping file-sharing traffic from swallowing too much bandwidth.
Allegations have been floating around regarding major North American broadband operators using packet shaping to restrict the free flow of certain data on their network, but this is one of the first confirmations of non-net neutrality in a major United States broadband provider.