> and the reason you don't have the option to switch to another service provider is your state and local governments granting comcast, et al local monopolies.
The real reason is the FCC doesn't require the infrastructure businesses to sell wholesale access to competitors. Once upon a time, Comcast et al would've leased you the line, but you would've had choice in your ISP service. A stroke of the pen eliminated all serious competition in the ISP game, and made it so Comcast owns the entertainment pipeline all the way from movie studio lot to your internet connection.
Odd that the studios aren't allowed to own movie theaters [1], but they're heading straight for the same end result by controlling your internet access.
The real reason is the FCC doesn't require the infrastructure businesses to sell wholesale access to competitors. Once upon a time, Comcast et al would've leased you the line, but you would've had choice in your ISP service. A stroke of the pen eliminated all serious competition in the ISP game, and made it so Comcast owns the entertainment pipeline all the way from movie studio lot to your internet connection.
Odd that the studios aren't allowed to own movie theaters [1], but they're heading straight for the same end result by controlling your internet access.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Paramount_Pict....