Comment by SecretDreams

When a necessary service is pushed towards being unprofitable / breakeven due to "free market pressures", it probably should have some kind of backstop to ensure the service doesn't completely fold - because it is necessary. I think the suggestion to treat it like a utility was trying to emphasize this.

I'd also feel similar I'd my primary water, electricity, or internet provider was on the brink of failing due to "free market pressures".