Internet network externalities

Abstract: A driving force behind the emergence of the ‘new’ or information economy is the growth of the internet network capacity. A fundamental problem in mapping this dynamic is the lack of an acceptable theoretical framework through which to direct empirical investigations. Most of the models in the literature on network externalities have been developed in a static framework, with the externalities viewed as instantaneous or self-fulfilling. The model specified here builds on the received theory from several sources to extend these features and develops a dynamic model that is both capable of econometric estimation and which provides as an output a direct measure of the network effect. Accordingly, the main goal of this paper is to find the magnitude of the external effect on internet network growth. In addition, this paper illustrates the ability of the panel data to generate estimates of structural parameters capable of explaining internet host growth.Information; network externalities; internet; growth

Technological Convergence: a Strategic Perspective

The information and communication technologies (ICT) sectors are in a process of technological convergence. Determinant factors in this process are the liberalisation of the telecommunications markets and technological change. Many firms are engaged in a process of mergers and alliances to position themselves in this new framework. Technological and demand uncertainties are very important. Our objective in this paper is to study the economic determinants of the strategies of the firms. With this aim, we review some key technological and demand aspects. We shed some light on the strategic motivations of the firms by establishing a parallel with the evolution of the retailing sector.Technological Convergence; Demand Uncertainty; technological Uncertainty; Technology Life Cycle; Internet; Multimedia; Strategy

Regulatory reform, development and distributive concerns

This survey reviews the relationship between regulation and distribution, focusing on regulatory reform in developing countries. The characteristics of these countries impose constraints on appropriate regulatory policies. These constraints condition: i) the terms of the trade-off between firms' rents and efficiency, including the commitment problem in the presence of sunk investments; and ii) the probability of success of removing cross-subsidies. The choices made at reforming infrastructure industries may have a significant impact on perceived distribution and development, and this impact will drive attitudes toward reform. Distributive problems are channeled through politics and institutions, conditioning the potential solutions to the commitment problem. These issues have been extensively explored by the academic literature, which provides guidance on how to address second-generation regulatory reforms.regulation; privatization; infrastructures; development; distribution;

Investigation into the impact of wind power generation on demand side management (DSM) practices

The construction of a number of wind farms in South Africa will lay the foundation for the country to embrace the generation of greener energy into the National Grid. Despite the benefits derived from introducing wind power generation into the grid, this source encompasses adverse effects which need to be managed. These adverse effects include the intermittency and lack of predictability of wind. In power systems with a high penetration of wind energy, these effects can severely affect the power system’s security and reliability in the event of significant rapid ramp rates. Recently, many utilities around the world have been exploring the use of Demand Side Management (DSM) and Demand Response (DR) initiatives and programmes to support and manage the intermittency of wind power generation. This report outlines the programmes and benefits of DSM/DR and provides a critical analysis of the challenges facing South Africa with implementing these initiatives. Introducing these programmes necessitates the employment of a number of Smart Grid technologies including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), next generation telecommunications technologies, smart meters, enterprise system integration and dynamic pricing. These tools and techniques are discussed and their challenges described within the context of South Africa’s current state of the power system. The current practices for DSM/DR in South Africa have been evaluated in this report. Despite, the success of many DSM/DR initiatives in the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors, it is found that much work is still required in the residential sectors as the current DSM initiatives are not adequate for managing wind power generation. A detailed analysis and recommendations for South Africa’s DR program is then presented based on industry best practices and experiences from other utilities who are currently exploring DSM/DR in the residential sector using Smart Grid technologies

Managing Customer Services: Human Resource Practices, Turnover, and Sales Growth

This study examines the relationship between human resource practices, employee quit rates, and organizational performance by drawing on a unique nationally representative sample of 354 customer service and sales establishments in the telecommunications industry. Multivariate analyses show that quit rates are lower and sales growth is higher in establishments that emphasize high skills, employee participation in decision-making and in teams, and HR incentives such as high relative pay and employment security. Quit rates partially mediate the relationship between human resource practices and sales growth. These relationships also are moderated by the customer segment that frontline employees serve

An estimation of the pattern of diffusion of mobile phones: the case of Colombia

In this paper we fond that the difusion pattern of mobile telephony in Colombia can be best haracterised as following a Logistic curve. Although in recent years the rate of growth of mobile phone subscribers has started to slow down, we find evidence that there is still room for further expansion as thesaturation level is expected to be reached in five years time. The estimated saturation level is consistent with some individuals possessing more than one mobile device.Technology di¤usion; Mobile telecommunications; Gompertzcurve; Logistic curve; Colombia.

Remedies Brief of Amici Curiae

None.

Designing Competition Policy for Telecommunications

This paper explores the role of the essential facilities doctrine in circumscribing the scope of network sharing obligations in telecommunications. Among other things it argues that a proper application of the doctrine of essential facilities should recognize the prominence of dynamic over static efficiency in promoting consumer welfare. Regulators may be averse to recognizing these tradeoffs because unlike the behavior of prices the welfare losses from foregone innovation may be unobservable to the regulators’ constituency. Moreover, an emphasis on dynamic efficiency requires the short-term regulator to take the “long view” – fostering the competitive process rather than emulating the competitive outcome.

MENA Region Transformed Media Environment and Media Convergence: UAE Case Study

It is worth noting that the concept of media convergence entails the process of multiple media platforms coming together to combine their equipment and tools towards enhancing the production and distribution of news or information (Dwyer, 2010). In essence, it demonstrates the collaboration or cooperation between diverse media platforms to create a blend of computer, telecommunications, and media industries that can eliminate the barriers to media unity (Lugmayr & Dal, 2016). It embraces the integration of various media forms into a single digital platform. The diversity and dynamic experience encountered through the process of media convergence enables the professionals in the sector to elaborately communicate information and tell stories (Latzer, n.d.). They can offer entertainment to the audience in a convenient manner while enhancing the interactivity of the media platforms for the unique experience. Ideally, Jin (2011) explains that the concept of media convergence is related to the aspect of technology convergence in the sense that it entails the combination of diverse technologies used in the media system in conveying information. The technology convergence facilitates the media content production through the expansion, acceleration, and enhancing its distribution with the reduction in costs (Jacobs, 2013). According to the Australian Law Reform Commission (n.d.), the technology convergence relies on the diversity of available media devices or gadgets that are utilized in the transmission of information and data. As such, the application of technology convergence enhances quick, safe, and convenient mechanisms of passing information to the consumers through the digital platform. Lugmayr and Dal (2016) indicates that the development of the cross-media content enables the media stations and professionals to provide the information in varied modes including videos, texts, audio, print, and the podcasts. Notably, this paper focuses on discussing the concepts of media convergence within the context of the MENA region, specifically in the UAE