(07-27-2018, 08:18 AM)mikesez Wrote:

(07-26-2018, 06:50 PM)MalabarJag Wrote: Start your own new airline! 

Don't demand the government use their guns to give you a good rate.

In that example, it may still be possible for someone to start their own airline, especially by flying to airports that the monopolist airline isn't using heavily. 
What about the cable company?
What about the electric company?
What about the sewers?

These are not monopolies as you see them.

Airlines at times could be considered an Oligarchy but past DOJ inquiry showed no collusion between airline executives. You can also expect that when a major airline invests in a hub, it will have a controlling interest. This does not mean upstarts can’t utilize but they will get fit in later. They are free to bid on air routes at anytime.

Cable companies are about as close to a monopoly as we get. However, cable is not a necessary utility. It is also an expensive venture. Like airlines, small upstarts can come in a license for areas to compete in. Where I’m currently at, none of the so called monopolistic companies exist. There are several smaller ones that compete and provide various levels of service. No contracts either.

Electric companies are or were considered a natural monopoly that services based on one old grid. Competition actually made no sense or was inefficient. With newer technologies more efficiency, and limited traditional generation forms, things are changing. There is wind, solar, natural gas, and other generation forms. However, the problem has always been the legacy grid and delivery. Free to invest, but nobody wants to. Like railroads, government intervention keeps it alive. Coops are stepping in to provide newer generation, grid tie-in, etc. to allow for competitive rates.

Sewers are a local public utility. Nothing else to say.

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