Two words: eminent domain (Score 2)

US citizens have a collective power to take real estate, easements, and capital - as long as that taking is a forced sale for public use at a legally-determined "just" price. This power has been exercised through the states since before the federal Constitution was ratified. In fact, it's usually not possible to build electrical transmission lines, roads, and telco networks without using eminent domain. Telcos and public utilities thus have a constitutional obligation to facilitate public use - and if they don't do a good job, we the people can and should take their easements back - and take their wires while we're at it. Right now we're paying world-class profits for less than world-class service. If the telcos ask, "Well what are you going to do about it?" like schoolyard bullies we should remind them that their entire business is based on property rights that are not absolute.