It's a big about-face for Comcast. The Internet service provider says it will no longer mess with the online traffic that generated by those who use file-sharing software.

Comcast says it will also team up with BitTorrent to come up with better ways to get large files transmitted over the Internet. Comcast had been under investigation for hampering file-sharing by its subscribers.

Since user reports of interference with file-sharing traffic were confirmed by an Associated Press investigation in October, Comcast had been vigorously defending its practices. But advocates of what's known as "Net Neutrality" have been attacking Comcast, saying it had made itself a gatekeeper over the Internet.

They also accused Comcast of stifling delivery of Internet video, an emerging competitor to the core business of the nation's largest cable operator.