Telephone companies in the US that provide broadband internet connections are starting to tread on dangerous ground. They are mooting charging companies that provide internet services such as telephony and video-downloading fees to ensure a speedy and high-quality connection.

The phone companies such as BellSouth and Verizon Communications say it is expensive to build networks, such as Verizon's new fibre-optic connection to homes and offices, and they need to recoup their investment. They also say that some services - notably online gaming and video - take up a lot of bandwidth and capacity.