It’s not a “fast lane” but Comcast built a CDN to charge for video delivery

Comcast is now competing against content delivery networks (CDNs) such as Akamai with a new service that can improve delivery of video to Comcast subscribers in exchange for payment.

"This new offering allows content owners to go directly to the ISP and have their content stored and delivered via the last mile, thereby displacing some traffic currently delivered by third-party CDNs like Akamai and Limelight Networks," well-connected industry analyst Dan Rayburn reported. "While this is the same type of CDN service that other commercial CDNs like Akamai already offer, Comcast can offer a very good SLA since they are a last mile provider."

The service will let Web content companies "bypass network middlemen and deliver their services directly to Comcast Internet customers," The Information article said. Despite making an argument that it would be allowed to offer “paid prioritization,” Comcast has said it doesn't intend to offer fast lanes. And the new CDN service is not a fast lane, Rayburn told Ars.