Two FCC commissioners attempting to delay net neutrality vote

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Two conservative FCC commissioners are asking that the vote on net neutrality rules be delayed.

The vote, which concerns if cable companies will be allowed to charge websites extra for faster loading times, is scheduled for Feb. 26. FCC chair Tom Wheeler has outlined his plan to classify the Internet like a utility. Internet freedom groups have largely celebrated this, but the full text of the plan has not been released yet. Classifying it as a utility means companies could not charge different prices to make websites load at certain speeds.

Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael O'Rielly are saying Wheeler's proposal should be released to the public before a vote, and the commission should wait 30 more days so the public can comment. The Verge claims this is a move against net neutrality, noting that the two commissioners "oppose virtually any form of net neutrality."

Wheeler appears to be against delaying the vote any longer, considering it was already delayed from its original date at the end of 2014, and he seems likely to ignore the suggestions.

The #OpenInternet's future is at stake. We cannot afford to delay finally adopting enforceable rules to protect consumers & innovators.

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— Tom Wheeler (@TomWheelerFCC) February 23, 2015

FCC received more than 4 million comments on #OpenInternet during past year that helped shape proposal. It's time to act.

— Tom Wheeler (@TomWheelerFCC) February 23, 2015