The problem isn't density, as some have mentioned. It's structure. In the US, the pipes are owned by the providers. Those pipes were built out with subsidized

The problem isn't density, as some have mentioned. It's structure. In the US, the pipes are owned by the providers. Those pipes were built out with subsidized funding or exclusive contract guarantees. In other words, it becomes very difficult for a competitor to come in and build pipes, because their competition already got the leg up. A better structure would be where all the pipes are public property and the town hires outside firms to upgrade/maintain them. Much like roads. Providers pay a fee to the town for access to them and for usage. An unlimited number of providers can enter the market. Users pay the providers. Competition between providers reduces prices. P.S. NYC is somewhat moving toward this with their WiFi project.