Not only are the monopolies or at best duopolies but their networks rely on public right aways(underground ducting and trenches)that are owned by you the tax payer! To operate a cable franchise you need to have a municipal charter, but you can't count on your local government to apply any pressure they generally just rubber stamp approval on these.

The real solution is to municipal networks. Which would look like: consumer -> municipal network -> Tier 1 ISP -> website.

Its been done in Tennessee. Los Angeles was looking at implement this model as well. But wouldn't you know the cable monopolies has sued and threatened to sue the local governments because they say a municipal would have an "unfair advantage." These assholes couldn't compete in fair market, they'd be out business.