“Seems like it’s been doing okay for the last 30 years or so all by itself!.................”
From the perspective of this internet user, the only issue with the internet is my local access provider’s monopoly which is the result of government regulation. Eliminate exclusive government franchises for cable and telephone services and access costs will decline.
If you live in a rural area with only one access provider, then you might try Hughes net.
If you live in a small metro area then there are probably small Internet access providers in your area that you normally don’t hear about. Just Google “Internet Service Provider + the name of you county”. You might be surprised................