As the Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger comes to a close, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is allowing a bit more time for the public to comment on the union, before giving its final decision on the matter.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Leahy (D-VT), well known for his stance on net neutrality, wrote an open letter to Comcast asking them to not make fast-lanes for the Internet, despite what happens in the merger.

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In the open letter, which comes just weeks before the final verdict, Leahy says Comcast has to swear that they will always put the customers first, and will look to provide the fastest Internet for each region, instead of money-grabbing where possible.

Leahy also commented on Comcast's prioritization of certain services and said this also needs to stop, regardless of the outcome of the merger. This would include forcing companies like Netflix to play extra, in order to keep customers happy.

Comcast has not replied to Sen. Leahy's demands, but like most Senators and the majority of the public, it is unlikely to change their current moves. Comcast has been pro-fast lanes since Verizon and other ISP providers started pushing them into law.

Fast lanes would allow ISPs to offer tiered service, depending on size and competition. It could eliminate newer services that offer something different and better than what is currently on offer, simply by making it impossible for the company to pay the excess.

This would allow Comcast and other ISPs to gain more power over the Internet in general and make sure their own backed services rise to the top. We already see this with sponsored mobile apps and services, which allow free data, as long as you use that specific service.

The FCC appears to be moving towards no fast lanes, as Chairman of the FCC Tom Wheeler looks to add more municipal competition in the broadband market.

TagsComcast, Time Warner Cable, Sen. Leahy, Senate, Judiciary Committee, Internet fast-lanes