Qwest Chief Calls Net Neutrality 'Really Silly'

Some major U.S. telecommunications companies have proposed giving priority treatment to Web users who pay to get through faster. In effect, service would be broken into tiers, with more money guaranteeing quick or better access online.

Opponents want a stronger defense of net neutrality included in a future telecommunications bill, while telephone and cable companies say the Internet has traditionally been lightly regulated.

Advocates of net neutrality are concerned that telephone companies want to become "gatekeepers of the Internet," said Jim McGann of the It's Our Net Coalition of businesses and consumers.

"Companies like Qwest want to change the fundamentals of the Internet, charge more, boost their bottom line," McGann said.