[dodobirdlord]

Companies have exclusive control of their own products basically by definition. Claiming that there's some sort of monopolistic behavior inherent in a company deciding where and how you can buy their product is absolute shark-jumping.

[dleslie]

That's a poor definition. Many companies are regulated in a manner where their services must be open to competition to access and use.

[zepto]

Almost no companies are regulated in this manner.

[dleslie]

Sure they are; look outside the USA and you'll find many the world over. For instance, Canadian telecoms must provide access to their networks at minimal wholesale prices for competitors to enjoy.

The USA simply isn't a leading innovator in this regard.