Will the FCC be tempted by AT&T’s suggestion of internet ‘fast lanes’ run by users?

The Federal Communications Commission is caught between two controversial proposals as it struggles to write new rules for the internet.

One proposal, which would allow paid “fast lanes” for certain websites, is wildly unpopular with the public while the other, which calls for treating internet providers like a public utility, is radioactive to powerful industry groups.

Faced with this no-win dilemma, a compromise would be most welcome for the beleaguered agency. And, as it happens, AT&T says it has just the thing in the form of “user driven” fast lanes that, in theory, could preserve the principles of an open internet without leading industry groups to throw a fit over regulations. But not everyone is convinced. “These sort of compromises are always very attractive to policy makers if they can get them,” said Harold Feld of consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge. “Politically, could it provide enough cover for those who want this issue to go away? It might.” Feld suggested that AT&T has long been shrewd out at staking out what seems to be middle ground, and positioning itself as a reasonable voice on controversial issues. But he is skeptical that the company’s proposal differs significantly from the FCC’s initial fast lane proposal from May, and described them as “just fast lanes with an opt-in.”