Because ISPs sign deals with cities for exclusive rights to provide broadband in the city. The offer incentives to the government (providing cheaper/faster serv

Because ISPs sign deals with cities for exclusive rights to provide broadband in the city. The offer incentives to the government (providing cheaper/faster service to schools and government buildings) in exchange for exclusivity. Part of these deals prohibits local governments from becoming ISPs. The root of the problem is that ISPs are not classified as common carriers.