I'd like to think that there's still opportunity in these smaller markets. In Michigan for years there's a company originally out of Westphalia- I think they were Westphalia telephone way, way back, then Westphalia Broadband, and now are in a Lansing 'burb and called Comlink. They've quietly been laying fiber all over central Michigan and even now into surrounding states and providing service for years - sometimes well, and sometimes less so. I've no idea how they're doing these days, but I love the idea of this small company quietly toiling away and if not eating at the monopolists, hopefully at least scaring them a little. So - I maintain hope that this is possible - and admire the cajones of anyone willing to give it a go - but definitely talk to some real experts- even ring up the Comlink folks and see if you can buy one of 'em a beer to talk out the feasibility. Good luck

Absolutely. Don't Listen to internet trolls, get a mentor and walk through your priorities so that there's no question left with the decision - and no regret later. Basically, be smart about it - which might be hard to do if he's at all like I was at 19.