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Mobile-only consumers arise from heterogeneous valuation of fixed services

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  • Liang, Julienne
  • Petulowa, Marc

Abstract

Mobile-only users are usually perceived as a consequence of fixed-mobile substitution. This study uses a unique dataset based on a survey in France, combined with interviewee's telecommunications billing data, to reveal heterogeneous consumer preferences for fixed services. With the same mixed logit model we estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for fixed communications services and fixed-mobile relationship. Results show a very large heterogeneity of WTP for fixed services among consumers. In addition, we show that fixed and mobile data are complement for all consumers. Mobile-only consumers have a much lower but non-zero WTP, and higher price sensitivity compared to fixed-mobile consumers. Consequently, an increase in the fixed offer price would reduce the demand for fixed service. Heterogeneous preferences for fixed services constitute an alternative explanation for the existence of mobile-only users, despite the complementary nature of fixed and mobile broadband. Counter-factual simulations show that the share of mobile-only could also be driven by the way to subsidize mobile handset. For instance, making the handset subsidy only available to fixed-mobile quadruple play subscribers could reduce the share of mobile-only by half.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang, Julienne & Petulowa, Marc, 2018. "Mobile-only consumers arise from heterogeneous valuation of fixed services," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(2), pages 145-153.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:42:y:2018:i:2:p:145-153
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2017.09.009
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fixed mobile dependence; Heterogeneous preferences; Substitution versus complementarity; Mobile only;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L43 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Legal Monopolies and Regulation or Deregulation
    • L50 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - General
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications

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