>a proprietary gateway in each domicile (or open source device design for enthusiasts), which could also provide routing?
Why not bypass this and go straight to the device? Imagine paying for internet and not being limited to your house. Then you can expand your "work somewhere which is not your home and not your office" options beyond just Starbucks, et al. Plus the more different you are from the current business model, the better; you have a greater variety of ways to sell yourself, e.g. "This Internet Option, for the on-the-go professional who doesn't have time for wires!" or "Comcast wants you to have a modem. Lol, ok, Grandpa. Eyeroll.gif" or even "Gee Honey, you were right about This Internet Option. I never realized how much more alive - and sexy, and free - I feel using my laptop on the backyard swing!" Also you could compete on price (dramatically so!) with mobile carriers, if your network of boxes is, say, at least city-wide. Home, work, and between.
Why not bypass this and go straight to the device? Imagine paying for internet and not being limited to your house. Then you can expand your "work somewhere which is not your home and not your office" options beyond just Starbucks, et al. Plus the more different you are from the current business model, the better; you have a greater variety of ways to sell yourself, e.g. "This Internet Option, for the on-the-go professional who doesn't have time for wires!" or "Comcast wants you to have a modem. Lol, ok, Grandpa. Eyeroll.gif" or even "Gee Honey, you were right about This Internet Option. I never realized how much more alive - and sexy, and free - I feel using my laptop on the backyard swing!" Also you could compete on price (dramatically so!) with mobile carriers, if your network of boxes is, say, at least city-wide. Home, work, and between.
(Sorry about that. I was having fun.)