If your local cable company placed the cable behind your house, who owns it? Them. Do you expect them to let another company use their cable? Unless that other company places cable in your area, you're stuck with what is already there. They do not have to lease their cable to anyone else. Talk to the FCC on that one.
You're a captive audience.
As far a blocking, no way. If your local telco doesn't offer DSL in your area, either you're out of range (DSL is distance limited), or they just haven't upgraded their equipment, or they don't offer it for whatever reason. Call'em and ask.
I live in a small town in east Texas (Kilgore, TX pop 12-15k). Our local cable company forces customers to purchase basic cable television if they want to use their broadband internet service. I am being forced to pay $20/mo for really crappy basic cable tv just so i can use their overpriced broadband for $60/mo.
I've contacted other cable companies in the area that provide service to nearby towns. They all mention that they don't "own" my particular area and therefore can't provide service. I thought cable service was supposed to be deregulated several years back to allow the companies compete for customers' business. Is this not the case?
Also, there are no telcos in the area that provide dsl access. I thought this was strange. I realize that I do live in a fairly small town but there are several smaller towns in the area that have dsl. I would gladly dump cable tv and internet for dsl and satellite if i had the chance. Is it possible that the cable company could somehow be blocking dsl from moving into the area?
I'm fairly ignorant on the subject so any input would be appreciated.

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