[alwann]

I worked 30 years for what us old timers remember as The Bell System. Then in the 80s, under pressure from start-ups -- some unethical -- the govt said, "Oh, no. Bell is limiting the competition, so let's bust it up. Phone bills were low and customer service was not only good, but measured for regulatory oversight.

So, now what have we got when many of us would be satisfied with an affordable phone?
Classical economic theory urges regulated utilities are best for the common need.

And let's not get started on what happened to the airlines.