FCC to Propose Preferential Treatment on Web for Content Providers
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler announced plans Thursday to propose new Net-neutrality rules that would allow internet providers to give preferential treatment to certain content providers.
Under the proposal, companies like Comcast and AT&T could charge Netflix more for access to its "fast lane," which would make Netflix content load faster.
The announcement came as a surprise to proponents of Net-neutrality, which establishes the Web as an open field for everyone.
Proponents of Net-neutrality say it makes the internet accessible to everyone, including bloggers who might not be able to pay hefty fees for preferential treatment.
In 2010, the Open Internet Order, proposed by the FCC, was struck down by the federal court. The order would have ensured that "every American has access to open and high-speed Internet service."