Analysis More details about what is contained within new net neutrality rules outlined yesterday by FCC chairman Tom Wheeler have made it a virtual certainty that they will be approved by the watchdog later this month.

But that will not be the end of the matter. US cable companies are fiercely opposed to being regulated, so there will likely be two significant challenges to the rules: a legal challenge from cable companies, and Congressional efforts to limit or undermine the FCC and/or the new rules. Let's dig into both.

But first, what have we now learned is in the rules?

Back in November, The Register highlighted that if the FCC did push ahead with Title II classification (which seemed likely), it would probably forebear all but six of its 76 sections.

Those sections: 201, 202, 208, 222, 254 and 255 are in fact the exact same ones that the FCC has highlighted in its factsheet on the proposed plan. In addition, however, the regulator references "related enforcement provisions" in sections 206, 207, 209, 216 and 217.

What this means in plain language is that the FCC will be able to regulate service and charges, prevent discrimination over internet networks, allow for complaints, be able to act to ensure privacy, press for universal service (ie, make sure everyone in the country can get access to the internet) and make sure that people with disabilities are able to use services.

The FCC's factsheet addresses some of the main concerns about including these sections, noting that "broadband providers shall not be subject to tariffs or other form of rate approval, unbundling, or other forms of utility regulation" i.e. it won't touch pricing.

It also will not apply for the part of section 254 that require contributions to a universal service fund - so there will not be an additional cost to consumers over being classified as Title II. And the rules will not "impose, suggest or authorize any new taxes or fees". The factsheet also claims there will be no "burdensome" filing requirements or additional accounting standards.

The critical changes, aside from the existence of regulatory rules around broadband access - and mobile broadband - are three-fold: