Anyone is allowed to start their own Fediverse server, and it's much easier and cheaper than most people realise.

The simples option is to use a "managed hosting" company to do all the technical stuff for you behind the scenes. All you have to do is manage the server through the normal Mastodon interface, you don't have to do any installations, upgrades etc.

A small server starts from about 8 euros/dollars a month through a managed hosting company.

More info here:

➡️ https://growyourown.services/making-your-own-mastodon-server-in-10-steps