In poorer developing countries, public utilities are often limited to wealthier parts of major cities, as used to be the case in developed countries in the nineteenth century.

Examples of utilities are: 1)Electric power transmission and electricity distribution 2)Drinking water purification and distribution 3)Sewage treatment and disposal 4)Other waste disposal 5)Natural gas distribution 6)District heat generation and distribution 7)Public transport by bus, train, etc. 8)Cable television and telephone lines

Developments in technology have eroded some of the monopoly aspects of traditional public utilities. For instance, electricity generation, electricity retailing, telecommunication and postal services have become competitive in some countries and the trend towards liberalization, deregulation and privatization of public utilities is growing.