Taking Sides on Net Neutrality

In the 1950s, California began building freeways. Everyone with an automobile (and most motorcycles) could use it for free. Today, some motorists pay money to drive in a lane (sometimes called a "Lexus Lane") that usually has less traffic than the free lanes. The Federal Communication Commission is considering something like a Lexus Lane for the Internet. Except in this case, it would be the car companies (not the individual driver) who would pay for a faster lane for its customers. At issue is a concept known as "Net Neutrality." NPR reports.

Questions...

•Should companies be able to pay to have their web sites load more quickly than others over the Internet? Why or why not?

•If net neutrality is abandoned, who wins? Who loses?

•Which side of this debate best supports free market capitalism? Why? (Hint: a good argument can be made on either side)