NYTimes is reporting that Google and Verizon, are nearing an agreement that could allow Verizon to speed some online content to Internet users more quickly if the content’s creators are willing to pay for the privilege.

YouTube, owned by Google, would pay Verizon, to ensure that its content received priority as it made its way to consumers.

Such an agreement goes against net neutrality and favors content from one provider over another. Consumers will see a new, tiered system, which, like cable television, imposes higher costs for premium levels of service and ultimately lead to higher charges for internet users.

“The point of a network neutrality rule is to prevent big companies from dividing the Internet between them,” said Gigi B. Sohn, president and a founder of Public Knowledge, a consumer advocacy group. “The fate of the Internet is too large a matter to be decided by negotiations involving two companies, even companies as big as Verizon and Google.” More>>