Monopoly: Myth or Fact?

What is a monopoly? Lets ask the expert:

Imgragael: Excuse me, Mr. High School Economics Teacher, can you tell me what a monopoly is?

Mr. H.S.E.T.: That is a good question Imgragael, quite simply there are two types of monopoly, one is where the situation exists where there are no close substitutes: A monopoly is not merely the state of having control over a product; it also means that there is no real alternative to the monopolised product.

The other type is the integration monopoly, where a company aquires not only all pre-existing companies that produce the same product(s) but control the distribution and manufacture of said product(s).

Imgragael: How can that affect telecommuncations?

Mr. H.S.E.T.: Another good question, quite simply it is virtually impossible for a company to aquire or own a monopoly in any market where tv, phone or internet services are offered. Again, for a company to exist as a monopoly, no other forms of competition can exist. In any market such as a major city, you have an infrastructure that already exists, the phone company owns the phone lines, the Tv stations can broadcast over the air, and internet can be provided in several fashions including standard dial-up, Digital Subscriber Line, or Broadband(cable). So, you see, in any market, monopoly cannot exist in the case of telecommunications.

Anyway, when I listen to callers claim 'monopoly, whine boohoo' I feel no sympathy for their issue, but I feel sorry for them because they are ignorant of facts and probably dont care to learn the truth.

"If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?"

Cast of Characters
Imgragael - Rusty
Mr. High School Economics Teacher - Rusty

Information gathered from the following sources:
wikipedia - definition of monopoly.