This is a vast oversimplification. DSL isn't just DSL, but 6-7 vastly different technologies. Cable internet is already at least on the 5th or 6th generation. The same goes for fiber etc...
The bottom line is DSL average download is between 1.5 and 3mbps down simply isn't compatible with current covid reality. Kids learn remotely. Zoom/Webex video meetings many times each day.
Seeing relatives - again back to Zoom etc. Watching movies? Netflix/amazon etc.. - good luck with streaming even 720p on a 1.5mbps internet line.
Let me ask you a counter-question - Why would major providers spend billions to upgrade their equipment then it could few millions to lobby governments to prohibit deployment of smaller (faster) alternatives?
Editor’s Note: Colorado successfully removed the requirement for local municipalities to hold a referendum before establishing local broadband service in early May 2023. SB23-183 was signed into law by governor Jared Polis, eliminating the previous restriction that had been in place since 2005...
broadbandnow.com
This is exactly to my original point of not everything is a "free" market.
Wired Telcos are unfortunately a natural monopoly. If they to be treated like a utility (which I strongly support) then they should be regulated like utilities are. This is one of the cases where the free-market simply can't fix the situation.
Even richest companies in the world (
Google,
SpaceX) are struggling to bring significant options.