I would love to believe this, but I'm not so optimistic.

I'm assuming you are referring to mesh type networks, in which case the hurdle is not technological but rather legal and political.

Once a mesh network becomes a valid competitor , they will create and enforce laws to hold people responsible for traffic going through their devices (ie kiddie P0rn and other illegal activities) .

They will also create and enforce anti encryption laws to prevent that as a loophole.

The challenge for mesh or decentralized networks will not be technical, it will legal and political which doesn't end well for the consumer.

Politics will be too slow to handle the rate of technological change. Already is to some degree. And Orwellian precincts will be at a competitive disadvantage.