Royal Mail monopoly ends

The U.K. Guardian reports that 14 companies are lining up to take on Britain's Royal Mail as its 350-year-old monopoly finally ends this week.

The paper says, "Industry observers believe Britain will not suddenly sprout multi-coloured post boxes alongside the familiar red ones or see strangely uniformed figures jostling the local postman on the doorstep. "

New entrants are initially expected to rely on agreements over access to Royal Mail's delivery network, with existing postmen and women (sometimes referred to as 'posties') making the final delivery.

For the Guardian article, click here.