To no one's surprise, the FCC is less than enthusiastic about the ruling. It's still looking over the decision, but Chairman Tom Wheeler already believes the lost appeal will "halt the promise of jobs, investment and opportunity" that municipal broadband offers.

This doesn't eliminate city broadband by any stretch, but it will let at least some states limit attempted rollouts. And unfortunately, that's a win for incumbent internet providers that could hurt competition. Many (including Wheeler) have complained that laws like those in North Carolina are the result of cable and phone monopolies effectively writing their own regulations though intense lobbying -- they want to avoid competing against cities that may well offer higher speeds, lower prices and wider coverage areas. Unfortunately, your best choices for real competition may come down to rare, privately-owned newcomers like Google Fiber that can afford to play by the existing carriers' rules.