Comcast Vows to Behave Without Net-Neutrality Rules. Not All Are Convinced.

A trade group of broadband providers including AT&T and Comcast pledged recently to not block or slow web traffic and otherwise avoid “unfair discrimination against lawful traffic online,” according to a statement. The group, Broadband for America, also represents companies including the largest wireless carrier Verizon. Comcast changed the language about its web practices that is posted on a corporate page in late April, as Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai was announcing his intention to gut the Obama-era rules. The companies don’t need to offer fast lanes because networks are delivering all types of data so quickly that even users who wait in line behind others suffer only a negligible delay, said Roger Entner, an analyst with Recon Analytics LLC. Paid prioritization would amount to “somebody paying money for nothing,” Entner said.

Still, web companies express apprehension about broadband providers’ plans. “They want to sell special capability and have people pay for it. And those who can’t pay for it will lack the same access,” said Ed Black, president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association. “There will be innumerable ways to do that, sometimes shrouded, sometimes defended as technically efficient.” Members of Black’s Washington-based trade group include Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Amazon.com, Dish Network and online ride hailing service Uber Technologies Inc. Black mocked pledges of good behavior. "‘Oh, we’re not going to do anything!’" Black said. “Then why did you make it the most unbelievably high priority -- millions in lobbying, millions in PR campaigns?" 

Several analysts said they expect few changes before Chairman Pai’s rules relaxation has been tested in court. A challenge is all but inevitable, and it’s not certain federal courts will accept the Republicans overturning a rule passed less than three years ago by Democrats.  "I’d be surprised if they did anything until a court rules," said Blair Levin, a former FCC official under Democrats. “They haven’t told Wall Street how they could make money, and usually companies are not shy about that.”