AT&T bans users from wireless P2P sharing

In a letter to FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, AT&T revealed that it doesn't allow its wireless subscribers to use file-sharing applications and will terminate service to anyone who tries. The carrier says that these types of applications can hinder network capacity and degrade the quality of the network for other users.

However, the letter, which was written by Robert Quinn, AT&T's senior vice president of federal regulatory affairs, also says that the company doesn't use any network management tools to block the use of P2P applications. Instead the carrier warns customers in writing.

The issue of banning P2P traffic has come to the forefront because the FCC is closely eyeing cable operators that are accused of blocking P2P traffic on their networks. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin views it as a potential violation of the agency's net neutrality principles.

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