Utility subsidies are often defended as promoting universal service. However, specific support formulas may be poorly targeted and/or designed. The U.S. high cost loop support (HCLS) program (formerly referred to as the Universal Service Fund (USF)), has been a key component of the FCC's USF...

In this study, we investigate empirically the relationship between telephone penetration and economic growth, using data for developing countries. Using 3SLS, we estimate a system of equations that endogenizes economic growth and telecom penetration. We find that the traditional economic factors...

This paper assesses the growth impact of telecommunications infrastructure investment in developing countries by subjecting country specific data on mainline tele-density and per capita growth to Granger causality test within a panel cointegration framework. The results suggest that growth...

This working paper extends the mainstream theoretical thinking in the field of telecommunications regulations to better fit with processes perceived in rural areas. The implicit framework of Levy & Spiller, Berg and Stern & Holder is extended to incorporate ideas of public administration theory,...

Twenty years of telecommunications under an ANC government has seen a dramatic rise in access to telephony, as a result of the success of two mobile network operators: MTN and Vodacom. By comparison, the efforts of government have been disappointing in policy formulation, in regulation, in...

Telecommunications was one of the first markets to become part of what today comprises the regulatory state, shifting risks and rewards towards the private sector, subject to regulation. Parliamentary has oversight of policies, the regulator and subventions from HM Treasury, which are necessary...

In a referendum on 23rd June 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) voted for ‘Brexit’, i.e., to leave the European Union (EU). After some delay the government will invoke Article 50 TEU, which would begin a two-year period of negotiation for a withdrawal agreement, after which the EU treaties would...

Mobile telecommunications has been a considerable success with consumers, yet markets are oligopolies designed by governments and by industry, with many flaws, including limited ability to regulate prices, quality of service and coverage. Markets have been partially opened to competition, with...

The high value of privatizations, licenses and equipment supply contracts in telecommunications have created opportunities for individuals to solicit and companies to pay bribes. Despite obvious risks in advocating such policies, especially in developing countries with weak or absent...

This paper looks at the role of network effects in telecommunications markets. Network effects are said to exist when an existing user of a network benefits from any new user to the network. Even the expectation of a large network will positively influence users' willingness to pay. After the...