WASHINGTON (AP) — Tennesseans will be watching closely Thursday as the Federal Communications Commission takes a preliminary vote on proposed new rules governing internet access.
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler had proposed allowing internet service providers to offer faster internet speeds to customers who pay for the privilege. The proposal was roundly criticized by proponents of net-neutrality.
Dale Mackey of Dale's Fried Pies in Knoxville says a “pay to play” internet scheme would put small businesses like hers at a real disadvantage.
"Especially in the mobile food industry, we need a really immediate and dynamic way to interact with our customers and if we don't have access to that or if other people can pay to get that access at a higher rate and an easier way than we can that really puts us at a disadvantage."
Chairman Wheeler made revisions to his proposal after the commission received 35,000 public comments —many of them expressing outrage.
A rally supporting net-neutrality is set for this morning outside F-C-C headquarters in Washington.