We were able to do just fine without the Internet for centuries. I think it being out for a few hours won't kill anyone.
That said, the best solution is to let the free market work. If there is only one vendor in your area, and they do a poor job, then someone else will start a competing vendor. The first vendor will either have to improve, or will fail.
I have a customer who wanted to switch Internet (He could only use one vendor for cable-based Internet). He was going to switch to Dish Network's Internet service. But, there was a federal regulation that made it so Dish could not install Internet on his property.
The Federal Government at work!
Bookmarks