But it's also not-quite-right to call these situations a monopoly, except via arbitrary shifting definitions of what "broadband" is to rule out valid options.

But it's also not-quite-right to call these situations a monopoly, except via arbitrary shifting definitions of what "broadband" is to rule out valid options. There's always other options for internet access - probably 2 or more wireless providers, satellite downlink with slower uplinks, and, for businesses where high-bandwidth is a necessity, investing in their own wires/point-to-point links. These are all "simply a matter of cost" – and businesses can make these cost-decisions in their own expenditures and even choices of where to locate operations. Further, if uncontrolled prices lead to excess profits in these areas, that's exactly the mechanism to draw in competitors. Regulatory price caps mean to potential competitors, "why bother?" Excess profits instead create a juicy target for upstarts, creating the desired competition.