Net neutrality -- the argument against charging different rates for more bandwidth-intensive content -- got a major shot in the arm from an unexpected champion late Thursday when Kevin Martin, the FCC chairman, chastised Comcast for blocking or slowing down some file transfers.

According to an Associated Press report, Martin said he favored a penalty for Comcast. 

"The commission has adopted a set of principles that protects consumers' access to the internet," Martin said. "We found that Comcast's actions in this instance violated our principles."

Martin recommended that Comcast face sanctions for allegedly blocking or slowing down content. The FCC could rule on that recommendation as early as Aug. 1. Comcast has denied any wrongdoing.

Internet service providers have long argued that they have a right to manage their traffic as they see fit. While the FCC has an open access rule, this is the first time the agency has accused an ISP of running afoul of that rule.

Martin's comments drew high praise from Free Press, an advocacy group that has argued in favor of net neutrality.

"The FCC now appears ready to take action on behalf of consumers," Free Press said in a statement. "This is an historic test for whether the law will protect the open internet. If the commission decisively rules against Comcast, it will be a remarkable victory for organized people over organized money."