It is difficult to gain FOSS-type freedom for our residences, but utility independence is possible. I'm in the last throes of design of my tree-change strawbale solar-powered off-grid tank-water home. As no utilities are provided at the site, there are no related charges¹. OK, there's still rates, but four down (electricity, water, gas², telephone) is a good start. Admittedly, I'm quietly praying to Odin, Thor, Freja, and Sif, that the wireless internet out there will improve from basically adequate to good. The biggest freedom, though, is no-one else on my 3 sq. km. - just kangas, wombats, and possums. The kangas stop and hang about if you talk to them right.