Tom Wheeler, chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has taken shots from top Internet companies and venture capitalists over a controversial plan to give giant networks and providers the prerogative to charge companies for faster content delivery. 

The proposal could allow giant Internet service providers like AT&T and Verizon to charge companies for faster delivery of content. 

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According to Josh Levy, Free Press Campaign Director, a group of nonpartisan organizations that advocate for universal and affordable Internet access, Wheeler's proposal has sparked nationwide interest to protect the Internet. 

Levy's group launched the new website "Save the Internet Campaign", and is rallying the grassroots to oppose FCC's plans via protests. 

Wheeler's plans have given rise to more intensified opposition from tech companies, consumer groups and top investors. 

In Silicon Valley, for instance, more than 50 venture capitalists expressed concerns that Wheeler's proposal will make it difficult for many start-ups and entrepreneurs to pay for faster internet access. 

The group, which included Naval Ravikant of Angel List, Fred Wilson of Union Square Ventures and Ron Conway of SV Angel, wrote a letter addressed to the FCC saying that start-ups whose business are anchored on Internet speed "will be unlikely to overcome that deficit no matter how innovative their service."

Companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and Yahoo have banded together with other tech companies to send a message that Wheeler's plan poses a "grave" threat to Internet freedom and use. 

Investors, venture capitalists, and consumer advocates are not the only groups that show concern about the FCC proposal. Ajit Pai, Republican Commissioner inside the FCC, called for a delay of the planned net neutrality vote. 

Wheeler plans to forge ahead with the vote on May 15 to open the floor for debate, but the commission said last Thursday that it would waive the traditional sunshine period. 

TagsNet Neutrality, Tom Wheeler, FCC, Tech Companies, Free Press