You don't have to deal with Verizon. They own the copper wires and the central office.
You can choose any ISP you want. You're not going through verizon's network when you choose another DSL provider.
So, for example, you choose company x. You are only paying verizon for the copper pair.
the signal goes through the pair. The wires connect to your ISP's modem at the central office.
It's more complicated than that. There's actually three companies you deal with.
So, you go to
http://www.dslreports.com/ and pick one that's highly ranked.
Your connection can be better than that with Verizon.
Also, don't forget, you also have a modem at your end. It does not last long. usually a year or two if you leave it on.
I leave mine on 24/7. I run VoIP telephone. I call US and Canada for $20USD a month.
If you're into computers, try skype. it's $29USD a year for US and Canada, flat. That works out to $2.42 a month.