Comment Re:Suicide! (Score 1) 551
The cell phone industry (part of telecom) is currently in the middle of an earthquake, and it is being driven by two extremely capitalistic companies: Apple and Google. It will get even better when deregulated spectrum starts coming into play. The FCC has hindered advancement in cell communications with many of its rules, but a few regulations (like billing transparency) have been helpful. Finding the proper balance between anarchy and central planning is the key.
There are some industries that must be regulated more than others, like financial services, but most of the regulations needed are "sunshine" type laws. Information is an excellent disinfectant!
Electricity is an industry that needs more care and feeding than others, largely because of the rural problem. Nobody wants to risk many millions of dollars to bring service to the middle of nowhere. That is a job, like rural road-building, that almost certainly needs public money involved. However, there are many large markets around the country that would benefit immensely from some energy entrepreneurship.
Why not leave the current public-private companies in place, but stop barring private entities from attempting to compete with them? That way rural areas can continue to be serviced, but the booming areas can benefit from free-market innovation?