Power distribution is generally done like that in the "deregulated" states in the US. The electric utilities were technically private entities, though not very

Power distribution is generally done like that in the "deregulated" states in the US. The electric utilities were technically private entities, though not very free. The same legal framework could be used for other sorts of wires, I suppose. Around here, Comcast (or their predecessor) actually does resell other providers' services through their service. I don't know if it's voluntary or not. It's kind of an odd relationship, but I'm happy to divert a few of my dollars from Comcast to Earthlink.