It sounds like what we need is the equivalent of local loop unbundling for internet services: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local-loop_unbundling http://en.wikip

It sounds like what we need is the equivalent of local loop unbundling for internet services: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local-loop_unbundling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local-loop_unbundling In the UK, I believe the main practice revolves around broadband, whereas in US it's all around phone (VoIP or otherwise). If you could enable competition within the same last mile service, you'd a)give a definite incentive to make sure the entire network delivers the best experience and b)have alternate sources of revenue to maintain the last mile network. The current duopoly that exists SoCal in most areas (1 cable provider and 1 DSL provider) is a really terrible consumer experience. For those who have access to FiOS, it's a tad better, but not by much. If you had access to 10 providers at once with comparable services, there would be real incentive for them to offer the best possible experience and lowest possible prices to consumers... but of course that would hurt corporate profits and so on and no politician getting those donations wants that...