I had the same issue when I live in VA. HATED Cox Cable. PQ sucked, internet was down often and had to call them out repeatedly for years to fix it. I would fix it myself after a while and threaten to send them bills.....LOL
FIOS finally came in to my area and I know i was the first one on my block to jump on it...LOL I loved FIOS, not one single problem in a year and a half. Unfortunately I moved due to my job and the only choice was Comcast or Sat. I picked D* and have been 100% happy ever since. If ever given the choice to go to FIOS again, I will definitely jump on it.
good luck and I feel your pain.