[djrogers]

The point is that if 'last-mile' services were open to competition, then there would (could) be many companies in what you call the 2-100 mile arena. Building an ISP infrastructure is merely difficult and expensive. On the other hand, thanks to municipal involvement, lobbying, time-based monopolies, etc. building last-mile everywhere is basically impossible.

[JoeAltmaier]

Exaggeration. Cable did it everywhere in America over a period of a couple of years.

[toast0]

Cable built an internet infrastructure across America on top of existing outdoor wiring plant (including access to poles) built up over many years.

Cable built up the outdoor wiring plant by offering a compelling new service (great reception for local TV and exclusive national programming) without significant competition (you could get a giant satellite dish, but compact dishes were not available until after cable was mostly entrenched).

It's not easy to overlay additional infrastructure wiring to compete with existing services (most areas already have good enough internet and video services from one or two providers; especially when a new entrant prompts upgrades from the incumbents). On the other hand, it's very easy to use wholesale access (if available) to provide middle mile competition. You would just need a couple routers (one at last mile provider building; one in a local carrier hotel/colo), a leased line between them, and a transit account.

[dzdt]

And cable secured maasive legal and bureaucratic hurdles to prevent anyone else from doing the same.