In Japan utilities are separated into pseudo-governmental entities that operate the infrastructure as a monopoly, and for-profit companies that deal directly wi

In Japan utilities are separated into pseudo-governmental entities that operate the infrastructure as a monopoly, and for-profit companies that deal directly with customers. This seems to work relatively well in that the customer-facing companies can distinguish themselves in the market (e.g. offering higher prices but better customer service), and the infrastructure is immune to profit incentives but subjected to high levels of regulation. The closest equivalent I experienced in the states is when I lived in the SF bay area and got internet access as a customer of Sonic, who provided DSL services over copper lines owned by AT&T.