Week 10 Discussion: Monopoly and UtilitiesWeek 10 Discussion: Monopoly and Utilities

Before you begin this assignment, take a moment to collect the names of the entities that provide two essential utilities for your residence - for example: electricity, Internet, phone service, gas, and water. Identify and briefly describe these two entities, and then analyze the market for each of these two services. Be sure to address each of the following questions in your discussion response:

• Does the local government influence the operations of this business?
• How many (if any) suitable alternatives exist for this utility company?
• How much of the local market has this utility company commandeered?
• What barriers to entry exist for new companies looking to compete with this utility company?
• In your opinion, which market structure best describes the industry in which this utility company operates? Why?

In responding to your fellow peers,

• Discuss differences between the companies chosen by your peers and the companies that you chose in your analysis.
• Then, identify some of the factors that have influenced local markets, such as population size, natural resources, and government influence.