* Because the government gave the cable providers local monopolies.*
This is untrue. I'm not sure which "government" you are referring to.
In most parts of the US, an MSO negotiates with a community government to install and maintain a cable TV service. These contracts are generally NOT exclusive, or are not exclusive for a long period of time.
However, in most areas where the population density is low to moderate, there is not enough market base to support two MSO's in the same area. So while you may think there is an exclusive arrangement, there often is not. In fact, many cities want to lure in more operators to give the citizens better choices and encourage competitive pricing.
I've been personally involved in this sitting on the telecommunications board in previous city ~8 years ago. We had an agreement with Charter, and wanted to get another cable company into the city, but couldn't make it worth their while in any realistic manner.
This is untrue. I'm not sure which "government" you are referring to.
In most parts of the US, an MSO negotiates with a community government to install and maintain a cable TV service. These contracts are generally NOT exclusive, or are not exclusive for a long period of time.
However, in most areas where the population density is low to moderate, there is not enough market base to support two MSO's in the same area. So while you may think there is an exclusive arrangement, there often is not. In fact, many cities want to lure in more operators to give the citizens better choices and encourage competitive pricing.
I've been personally involved in this sitting on the telecommunications board in previous city ~8 years ago. We had an agreement with Charter, and wanted to get another cable company into the city, but couldn't make it worth their while in any realistic manner.