How free is the US free market?

I believe in free markets and limited regulations. But the markets we have today are neither free or with the right regulations. Just look at the mobile prices we are paying in the US. According to an OECD report from August 11, 2009 the US - together with Canada and Spain - has the highest mobile phone prices in the world. The same goes for the broadband prices.

The US is lagging behind 15+ countries on broadband penetration and speed. Denmark, Switzerland and Korea are sporting 35% broadband penetration while the US a little above 20%. Korea, Sweden and Japan are also leading within fiber options with a penetration of 5-10% while the US has a 1-2% penetration. And this data is from an OECD report from 2007.

I just learned that my parents have 100 Mbits fiber optics and paying less than we do for our 6 Mbits DSL subscription. Our new 30 Mbits will cost $80 / month while the equivalent in Sweden is $50 / month. That’s almost 40% less.

There is something seriously wrong with the US market and competition within telecommunications. The free market has been replaced by an oligopoly with outrageous pricing and shitty service.

The market economy is not designed to make a few people rich but facilitation the cost-effective distribution of goods and services through fair competition that will benefit all of society. The predator attitude that’s been precent for the past decade has to stop. It’s time to intervene and bring back truly free markets with fair value and stronger ethics.