Part of the problem with wireless carriers is that they lock down and control their networks, to the point where cell phone users can only use carrier-approved cell phones, and can't make changes to the applications on them, or even sell their phones once they switch networks. Often, the model is compared with home broadband, where Time Warner or Comcast charges you for the bandwidth, but then lets you hook up whatever computers you want, and do whatever you want, once you're a subscriber.

Except that Comcast apparently doesn't. A San Francisco Bay area subscriber to Comcast Corp.'s high-speed Internet service has sued the company, alleging it engages in unfair business practices by interfering with subscribers' file sharing, according to an Associated Press report.

Subscriber Jon Hart based his claims on the results of an investigation by the Associated Press published last month that "showed Philadelphia-based Comcast actively interferes with attempts some high-speed Internet subscribers to share files online."

The results of this case could have wide implications for both home-based broadband and the wireless industry down the line.

Comcast sued over Web interference [AP via Yahoo]