Two Israeli ISPs Are Blocking P2P traffic, Says Report

According to Ynet News, one of the most popular Israeli news websites, a recent study conducted by Ynet reveals that two of the three Israeli ISPs are blocking p2p file sharing traffic.

“Deep packet inspection and P2P-caching is performed by at least one ISP and that another one probably operates some kind of preference on specific ports,” says Ynet pointing out that the results could be a sign of a possible trend which should be investigated by the Communications Ministry. “The findings also suggest that the ISPs are acting against the clients' interests and possibly in violation of the license conditions,” adds the site.

First in the Ynet’s list is the internet provider which apart from messing with the p2p traffic it's suspected of performing deep packet inspection. After receiving Ynet's research, the company declared that its main goal is to provide customers “with the best surfing experience.”

Bezeq International and Internet Zahav, the other two ISPs listed in the report both denied their involvement in blocking ports, applications, or protocols in spite of the clear evidence that the research dug up.

Following an inspection of the report’s results the spokesman for the Communications Ministry, Dr. Yechiel Shabi, said that a detailed examination is in order.

"After we become familiar with the study's findings, we shall consider the need for interference, supervision, or regulation of the matter," he commented.

The study is based on external participants such as bloggers, Web surfers and technology reporters.