Washington, May 10 (RHC)-- Protesters have set up camp outside the Federal Communications Commission in Washington to protest new rules that would effectively abandon net neutrality, the concept of a free and open Internet.

The FCC announced last month plans to let Internet providers charge media companies extra fees to receive preferential treatment, such as faster speeds for their products and content. Under previous regulations struck down earlier this year, providers were forced to provide all content at equal speeds.

Just steps from e FCC, demonstrators have set up tents and banners reading "Save the Internet." Organizers of the "People’s Firewall" encampment say they plan to remain until the FCC holds a public hearing next week. They want federal regulators to reclassify broadband service as a public utility, which would allow for the requirement of net neutrality rules.