Here’s what that mess of jargon means and how it affects you.

While this was previously a quiet understanding, the FCC wants to make it official.

In the past, it’s been tough for the FCC to create legally-binding rules for ISPs.

This is because ISPs have previously been classified as “information services.”

The new rules would classify them as “telecommunication services.”

Up until now, wireless broadband providers have operated under very different, less strict rules.

So what will all that change?

Well…a lot.

This means that there were certain rules governing existing utilities that the FCC can’t legally apply to ISPs.

Many net neutrality proponents didn’t think it went far enough, but it was something.

However, ISPs including Verizonchallenged the rules.

This classification had been a legal hurdle for the FCCfor many years.

Admittedly, the FCC wanted to have its cake and eat it, too.

Of course, Title II is actually a collection of potentially enforceable rules.

This action would result in the imposition of the entire set of Title II regulations on broadband service providers.

It also gives the FCC authority to investigate abuses or consumer complaints.

That last part is perhaps the most important.

The FCC is now able to intervene when ISP practices reach damaging levels.

On this front, Google of all companies hasexpressed an interestin being classified as a Title II service provider.

Unfortunately, the FCC did not vote to require last-mile unbundling, which would’ve helped Google.

Primarily, Google has butted heads with existing ISPs when attempting to utilize existing infrastructure.

For example, in Austin, Texas, AT&Towns about 20% of the utility poles.

Under the new classification, this is no longer be necessary.

Google can have access to the poles it wants under the same rules as any other ISP.

As anyone who’s read about Google Fiber knows, the service provides serious competition to existing internet service.

So much so that itactually worries existing providers.

Ironically, the lack of rules that are keeping newcomers out.

And there will no doubt be lawsuits from the industry itself challenging the legality of these rules in court.

If you want to voice your support (or dissent!)

for these new rules, continue reaching out to the FCC directlyhere.

While today has been a good day for net neutrality, there are still likely to be challenges ahead.