Public regulation rather than public ownership has been the primary means used in the United States to ensure that the behavior of natural monopolists is socially acceptable.

Public Regulation

The imposition of rules by the government aimed at influencing or controlling certain activities within the economy or society for the general welfare.

Natural Monopolists

Natural monopolists are entities that can provide a good or service at a lower cost than any potential competitor due to economies of scale, making a single provider more efficient than multiple competing ones.