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The name of Mauch's company is Washtenaw Fiber Properties LLC, and it's registered as a competitive access provider with the Michigan state government. While technically a phone company, Mauch provides only Internet service without any phone or TV offerings.

"My tariff is really funny," Mauch said, explaining that the document he was required to file with the state explains that his company provides services only on an individual, case-by-case basis.

Mauch said he has spent about $145,000, of which $95,000 went to the contractor that installed most of the fiber conduits. The fiber lines are generally about six feet underground and in some cases 10 or 20 feet underground to avoid gas pipes and other obstacles.

Installing the actual fiber cables into the conduits was a task that Mauch did himself. A fiber blower can cost over $26,000, but Mauch said he built one using a rented air compressor and about $50 worth of parts from a hardware store. Mauch said he also spent $8,000 on a directional drill machine that installs cables or conduit under driveways and roads without digging giant holes.

Folks shouldn't have to do this but this is what people have to do unless the corruption and monopolistic state of broadband stops.