Comcast (News - Alert), the largest cable operator and home internet service provider, along with communications products designer and manufacturer Zoom Telephonics today announced that they have reached a settlement regarding their dispute over cable modems.

The companies have filed a joint motion to dismiss the complaint that ZMTP filed last November with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert)). The dispute involved the testing of ZMTP’s cable modems intended for sale to consumers at retail outlets and the ability of users to attach those modems to CMCSA’s network.

Both companies believe the resolution of their dispute will further consumer choice in the cable modem marketplace.

In related news, Comcast is set to offer free telephone calls for its Xfinity Voice and Business Class Voice customers to Japan all through March until April 10 in an attempt to help unite Comcast customers with their families and friends following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The company will waive the call charges for its customers calling to Japan during the specified timeframe.

“Our hearts go out to all of the earthquake and tsunami victims and their families,” Cathy Avgiris (News - Alert), SVP and general manager, communications and data services, said in a statement. “We want to help ensure our customers with loved ones living in or visiting Japan have the means to remain in close contact with them during this difficult time.”

Comcast will waive the charges for the calls made to both landline and mobile phones in Japan. The customers need not initiate any action for the waiver as the charges and credits will be automatically taken care of by the company. The subscriber terms and conditions of the company will otherwise apply.