How to Regulate Vertical Market Structure in Network Industries

Abstract

This paper analyzes the equilibrium outcomes in a network industry under different vertical market structures. In this industry, an upstream monopolist operates a network used as an input to produce horizontally differentiated final products that are imperfect substitutes. Three potential drawbacks of market structure regulation are analyzed: (i) double marginalization, (ii) underinvestment, and (iii) vertical foreclosure. We explore the conditions under which these effects emerge and discuss when the breakup of an integrated network monopolist is adequate.access pricing, investment, vertical foreclosure