ARE ISPS INTENTIONALLY BLOCKING BITCOIN?

By default, Bitcoin clients connect to other bitcoin nodes on TCP port 8333. If a user wants their Bitcoin client to connect to other nodes, they will need to allow outgoing TCP connections on port 8333, and also will need to have the ability to accept connections on that same port.
Some Bitcoin users have reported issues attempting to connect or receive connections to their bitcoin clients across port 8333.
After spending an entire day effortlessly trying to get a bitcoin client working from a home computer, one AT&T Uverse customer called customer support.
After hours of phone calls and messaging AT&T finally told me the truth of what was going on, and only because I noticed it myself and demanded an answer. The internet is being routed through a DVR/cable box, and they confirmed the DVR also has a firewall.
AT&T Uverse is a bundled package similar to what many of the other nationally known Cable Companies / ISPs are offering. Home Internet service along with your TV channels in one, with added benefits such as DVRs, streaming music, games, and much more.
The issue arises when the ISP is in full control of the hardware from your house to their router to the Internet. Many big name providers will intentionally close a slew of connection ports in order to provide what the company deems to be the best level of service.

This post was published at Crypto Coins News on 01/09/2015.