Netflix is pushing for a level Internet playing field while apparently looking for ways to give its own video a fast lane, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai says.

In a letter to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings on Tuesday, Pai questioned how Netflix could advocate strong net neutrality regulations while rebuffing an effort to develop open standards for video streaming. Work that Netflix reportedly may be doing on its own video delivery system might give it an advantage over other content providers, Pai wrote.

Netflix relies on carriers, cable companies and other ISPs (Internet service providers) to get its video service to consumers. A major focus of the debate over net neutrality is whether network owners should be able to charge Internet companies like Netflix to make sure their services run reliably over the network. Netflix advocates regulating broadband companies as utilities under Title II of the Communications Act, the same strong step for net neutrality that President Barack Obama has called for. Pai, a Republican, opposes the Title II approach.

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