[LA_Banker]

>At least they will do everything possible to maximize profits.

Yes, sometimes this involves slower ambulances or slow internet. This is especially the case when there is no/few alternatives. What are you going to do... not have a water supply? Walk to the hospital mid-heart attack?

One need only to look at Comcast/Time Warner Cable data speeds in markets before and after Google Fiber entered the fray.

Sometimes, maximizing profits involves maximizing consumer satisfaction. More often, it does not. And it's a phenomenon that isn't unique to the private or public sphere.