On Facebook, Netflix CEO wages PR war against Comcast

For the second time in two weeks, Hastings used his personal account to complain about the Internet provider, and at least one prominent tech journalist thinks it’s a curious move.

Hastings’ beef with Comcast is over its apparent attack on net neutrality.

Here’s the gist: All of Comcast’s residential users are subject to data caps, meaning the amount of data they use per month cannot exceed 250 GB. Streaming video from Netflix, Hulu, or HBO GO counts against that cap; however, video streamed through Comcast’s app—Xbox 360 Xfinity—does not count.

Critics say this setup gives Comcast an unfair advantage. Why watch video on Netflix or Hulu, when you can watch it via Comcast’s app and not eat up your data for the month? This practice also violates the principal of net neutrality, which forbids Internet providers from restricting users’ access to the Web, according to Hastings.

Here’s how Hastings put it on his Facebook page:

“Comcast no longer following net neutrality principles.

“Comcast should apply caps equally, or not at all.