[gs8]

It can't work without an investment of $10B or larger if you want to make even a small dent in the wireless industry, due to spectrum rights (in the USA). This type of money is not VC money but more private equity firms.

MVNOs don't work because the wireless carriers hold all the cards and they don't let you in on any profits. Most successful MVNOs are owned by the major carriers for a reason. If you think retail wireless data prices are high try looking at what wholesale wireless data costs are, you can't operate a successful business with those prices. AT&T won't even sell MVNOs data, it's voice&text only. Even if you become successful carriers can shut you down whenever they want. Having been down the startup MVNO road I have learned my lessons, unless the government forces competitive wholesale pricing the best you can do is build a customer base and than sell it all back to your carrier like what Boost & Virgin did. MVNO is possible with VC funding but the success rate will be even worse than the current social apps, and there is no big payday.

WiFi networks sound great but can't work because the range isn't there, even in highly populated areas you will run into interference which will bring data speeds due to every slow speeds. There is a reason Google WiFi didn't work even in Mountain View.

The cheapest method is probably "buying" exclusive rights (franchise rights) to be the local phone or cable company, like the large telcos do one at time and building a fiber network. In most cities ATT/Verizon/Comcast/etc... will just outbid you. Than you have to convince (buy/lobby) city council members and/or mayor. To do a decent sized city you are looking at tens of millions in bootstrap mode.

If anyone out there thinks they can get VC invest in the 7 figures or higher for a MVNO or local landline/cable company project. Feel free to get in touch with me I am always interested in an adventure.