So unless it is prepared to let power shortages continue restricting growth, Brazil may be better off switching back towards a free market, difficult though it may be to get right.

ECONOMIST: Brazil's energy crisis

In 1973 he cofounded Mitel, which pioneered electronic switching systems that allowed for operator-free PBXs and touch-tone phone sets.

FORBES: Celtic charm

Posterous is also going after other publishing platforms with a switching campaign, targeting first the formerly free service of Ning, a provider of social networks to groups and individuals.

FORBES: Posterous: Blogging Without The Blog

But while he is a fan of free markets, the British think he is too fond of switching powers from national governments to Brussels.

ECONOMIST: The summit of all fears | The

At the same time many American farmers are learning to live with a free(ish) market: the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act gave farmers more leeway about switching crops, but also capped government subsidies.

ECONOMIST: Is America��s economy too hot, too cold, or just right?

The British Bankers' Association says that switching is "easy" and, if customers stay in credit, it is fee-free.

BBC: Do we ever switch bank accounts?