I have just read Walter Blocks material on this and DiLorenzo (and even watched his youtube video). And it all sounds very good, but I do have a few questions.
Firstly, let’s assume that we have a lasseiz-faire free-market.
Now. I only have one road on which my house is currently attached to. I also have one physical electric connection. I know that these have been the result of government priviliges, but my question is I can’t imagine a different setup. Would I have to have two different roads with two different owners and pick which one to use … or two different electrical suppliers?
I suppose I am referring to the practicality aspect alone in that I can’t imagine somethings being provided by more than one provider … does this not lend itself towards monopolistic tendencies?
Insurance. You wouldn’t buy a house without road access insurance or energy supply insurance. In other words, contracts would prevent extreme negotiation power of the supplying party.
Praxeological NAP / semi-ownership of roads / “a freedom proviso”: People like Frank van Dun argue your freedom to use your body (i.e. move) can, depending on the community, be considered greater than the freedom to maximize natural monopoly profits by the road owner. So basically social ostracism of “outrageous” deals.
You can have companies bid for contract in advance…
A more serious take on private provision of roads is that they would be bundled with real estate development. You buy a house and pay into a yearly pot to keep the roads maintained. Road access is likely to be provided this way because it increase real estate value.