The lobbying group added that rules should apply equally to both fixed and wireless broadband, and that telecoms shouldn't be allowed to create "fast lanes" where you pay extra to get higher-priority delivery of internet traffic.

Pai hasn't publicly released the full details of his proposed changes to net neutrality, but the plan would only ask telecoms to promise that they won't block or slow down traffic from competing services. Many believe that he chose the FTC for enforcement knowing that its relative lack of tech experience would make it easier for net neutrality violators to escape punishment.

Will Pai take the Internet Association's requests seriously? We wouldn't count on it. Pai recently met with lobbying groups for the telecoms themselves, going so far as to give them a draft version of his plans. Between this and Pai's other deregulatory efforts, it's been apparent for a while that he errs on the side of service providers rather than internet companies and their users. More than anything, the private messaging shows that internet firms will fight looser net neutrality rules tooth and nail -- even if their resistance is purely symbolic.