Comcast's attempts to throttle user bandwidth have been ruled unlawful by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — a coup for 'net neutrality proponents.

Throttling broadband, the practice of slowing internet service down for heavy users, is an unpopular means of discouraging peer-to-peer filesharing. Last year the media panned Comcast when it confessed to throttling access to torrent sites, and in March 2008 it vowed to seek less controversial alternatives to serve users. Three months later, it piloted a slower service for those that consume more bandwidth than others — regardless of what they use it for.

FCC Chair Kevin Martin called the FCC ruling "a good first step." He added that it would "set baseline protections for consumers that we can build upon."

Last week Martin recommended the FCC rule against Comcast on the topic of throttling, arguing it violates the principle of treating all web traffic equally. The recommendation required that Comcast stop slowing certain types of traffic. It must also disclose its network management practices. The company was not charged a fine.

Comcast remains unapologetic.

"Comcast does not block any Internet content, application, or service," said Senior Director Sena Fitzmaurice of Comcast's corporate communications. "The carefully limited measures that Comcast takes to manage traffic on its broadband network are a reasonable part of Comcast's strategy to ensure a high-quality, reliable Internet experience for all Comcast High-Speed Internet customers and are used by many other ISPs around the world."