This. I think the really confusing thing is why so few new entrants have joined the US telecom market. There is masses of cheap capital to build these networks

This. I think the really confusing thing is why so few new entrants have joined the US telecom market. There is masses of cheap capital to build these networks out. Most of Europe seems to be moving to this kind of model: A cable TV provider using DOCSIS or FTTH (and expanding their footprint) Existing incumbent telco providing service via VDSL/FTTH (rapidly rolling out FTTH) New "altnets" (as they are called here) doing new build FTTH (like webpass in the US, but they are not just aimed at apartment buildings). This has led to really significant competition. In portugal I have access to at least 1 FTTH and DOCSIS3.1. In London the same, my last flat actually had the option of 2 seperate FTTH providers (not sharing infrastructure) plus DOCSIS based cable. I think the altnets are the key to forcing investment by the otherwise duopolistic incumbent telcos and cable companies. I think what the FCC should be looking at is how to allow altnets to roll out service quicker. There is so much state/municipal legislation that I imagine that is the main blocker of doing this at scale.