That's an absolutely fair complaint. Just like these exclusive deals with landlords in some condos etc (wasn't that banned by the FCC but being subverted? And F

That's an absolutely fair complaint. Just like these exclusive deals with landlords in some condos etc (wasn't that banned by the FCC but being subverted? And FCC only covers the US anyway). That said 1999 was way different regarding broadband than today. Still dumb to sign a 30 year contract (in 20/20 hindsight) but we also don't have all the details of your specific situation. There definitely are also stories of "municipal ISPs" and such being spring up to solve the rural broadband dilemma instead of "selling out". In such a case don't complain about not getting anywhere with trying to get a better deal. You already lost before you even called as they know you won't walk.