The last time I saw this idea was back in the 60s for main frame

[David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

PRICING PROPOSALS FOR THE INTERNET
A University of Michigan researcher proposes letting Internet users bid for
priority status for their e-mail by attaching the highest prices they are
willing to pay for quick delivery. "Smart" network switches would then
monitor and adjust the price of admission based on network congestion.
 (Scientific American 11/94 p.102)