Logan and Wendel,
Could the greater internet, fund and form an ISP to combat the major companies? The issue of ISPs being terrible because they don't treat the people who use them like people, a common thread you seem to discuss, seems to have several user solutions that could arise from a home grown, consumer funded network. Connection upgrades would be on the willingness for a user to upgrade there connection to an open source network set up by a conglomerate of tech personnel and enthusiasts. This networks maintenance and upgrades would be driven by the speed wanted by users, and be funded by the users and companies that want more speed and broader infrastructure. Would this be possible?
If you do feel its possible, in the sense that a network could be set up (i.e. be able to get setup through though the US without major roadblock from current companies or government), do you think users would buy into it? Would you buy into it?