Washington – The Federal Communications Commission is set to propose new open Internet rules that would allow content companies to pay for faster delivery over the so-called “last mile” connection to people’s homes.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The proposed rules also call for enhanced scrutiny of such deals so they don’t harm competition or limit free speech.
That’s according to a senior FCC official familiar with the matter who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is to present the proposed rules to the other commissioners on Thursday.
The new rules are meant to replace the FCC’s open Internet order from 2010, which was struck down by a federal appeals court in January.
While the older rules technically allowed for paid priority treatment, such dealings were discouraged.
This is how the internet ends. Soon a small site, like this one, will be unable to compete with the big boys who will pay for higher speeds into your house. Some sites will no even be allowed by your local internet priority. I am so pleased I was able to see what the internet was like when it was free.