“I also have a huge issue with municipal cable franchises.”
Demand that your local government get out of the cable regulation/franchising business. Mine did 25 years ago.
For many areas served by multiple technologies, including satellite and phone-line services, cable is no longer a monopoly.
Most places are not served by multiple technologies. Some rural locations are not able to get decent service from ONE technology.
My choice where I live is between Verizon and Comcast. I loathe them both.