> Why, though? Why would they be worse? Typically, when you have even two competitors, the quality is improved.

> Typically, when you have even two competitors, the quality is improved.

If those state services weren't available for the public they would exist anyway, they are primarily for military purpose.

Imagine the US didn't offer free GPS and civilian competition would arise. Wouldn't it just mean the US users would have to pay for two satellite services? Once for the military one, once for the civilian. Since cost does not increase with users, the military (tax supported) one wouldn't be cheaper to run either.

Apart from that there are competitors even today. My smartphone does connect to Galileo, Glonass and GPS.