I can too, and then not have cable. At least with the utility company, I can put up PV panels and live off grid.

For a lot of people, they can't dump their cable company if they piss them off, because that's the only option they have available.

Most Americans can't dump their cable company.

In my area, the cable provider is the only one that offers somewhat fast speeds. Whenever they overcharge me and I spend hours sorting it out (this has happened a few times) with them I wish I could switch, but DSL is just not fast enough for working remotely.

I don't have other options for all my other utilities, but so far they have overcharged me and screwed things up royally exactly zero times.

In many parts of America, electricity is partially deregulated and you can switch providers.

Sure you can- nothing stops you from installing your own power generation/water purification (assuming you own your home and don't have a Nazi township/HOA).