FCC opposes fee-based internet priority

The Federal Communications Commission stated that it is "unacceptable" for Internet service providers to allow content providers to pay more and have priority transmission across the internet.

Critics say that charging higher fees to have quality transmission rates will hurt the openness of the internet and make the medium less democratic. Currently, Verizon is considering offering such a service.

The FCC is considering reclassifying broadband service under the Federal Communications Act to allow for better regulation of the medium--similar to how phone service is regulated. This would help spread internet service to rural areas, where service may not currently be offered.