As Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) continues to expand its 1 terabyte data usage cap — the cap has now reached Chicago — the MSO's just-signed integration deal with Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) has come under scrutiny.
With Netflix on Comcast's X1 platform delivered over managed network and not over-the-top, Wired wonders if net neutrality issues emerge, "since it could put Comcast in the position of choosing sides in the streaming video market."
"The line between IP-cable and Internet services is blurring," Wired added. "Last year, Comcast confirmed that its streaming video service, Stream TV, won't count toward a customer's data plan. It argues that Stream TV is an IP-cable service even though it's delivered only to computers. Dish, meanwhile, delivers its live television service, Sling TV, over the internet. As such, Sling does not qualify as an IP-cable service, so it escapes local regulations. Allowing customers to watch Netflix over an IP-cable service would further complicate things."
You can read the full Wired story here.