The cable Internet service provider industry really really really wants to charge you for your bandwidth use.

Most people now pay a flat fee for online access. But the big media companies offering Internet service; Comcast, ATT, AOL -- would like to change that, and already have in a few test locations.

The broadband industry’s plans to institute tiered pricing have been widely reported in its trade press. There are numerous articles about replacing today’s open 'Net environment with industry-self-described versions of "walled gardens" or "Internet Lite." ... The central feature of these proposals is much like telephone companies; there’s a price plan for everyone.