Web giants call for equal Internet traffic rules
A group of 36 Web companies, including Google, Netflix, and Amazon, tells the FCC it opposes paying ISPs for so-called fast lane access.
CBSMajor Web companies have asked US regulators to restrict Internet service providers' ability to make deals offering faster delivery of content, weighing in on Net neutrality issues as federal officials consider new rules governing the open Internet.
The Internet Association -- a trade group that represents 36 companies including Google, Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, eBay, Yahoo, and PayPal -- said in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission on Monday that its members oppose ISPs charging content providers for priority access, Reuters reported.
The FCC is currently weighing a proposal to establish guidelines to protect the open Internet. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has suggested a so-called fast lane for priority traffic on the Internet as part of his proposal -- an idea that critics say could lead to much slower Internet service for those unwilling to pay extra.
'The Internet is threatened by broadband Internet access providers who would turn the open, best-efforts Internet into a pay-for-priority platform more closely resembling cable television than today's Internet,' the group wrote.
The trade group said it plans to start a campaign regarding the FCC's proposal and Net neutrality, distributing information and asking Internet users to suggest amendments to the FCC plan, Reuters said.
Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers and governments should treat all Internet traffic the same. This means that ISPs should not block or slow down traffic on their broadband networks based on individual users or the type of traffic those users are accessing or by the type of service that is sending the content.
The effort to reinstate these open Internet rules started after prior rules were tossed out by a federal appeals court in January.
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