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The dynamic effects of competition on investment: the case of the European mobile communications industry

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  • Bahia, Kalvin
  • Castells, Pau

Abstract

We evaluate the impact of competition on investments in Europe's mobile communications market during the 2011-2021 period. There are stark and sustained differences in market outcomes between three- and four-player markets in Europe, and economic theory suggests these could be partly explained by the dynamic effects of competition on the ability and incentives to invest by market players. We find strong evidence that market concentration in Europe is below optimal levels that would maximise investments, especially in four-player markets. The dispersion of fixed costs and assets among a greater number of players can result in diseconomies of scale and a less efficient use of resources. We also find evidence that investment incentives to improve quality and innovate are lower in markets with lower concentration indices and profit margins.

Suggested Citation

  • Bahia, Kalvin & Castells, Pau, 2022. "The dynamic effects of competition on investment: the case of the European mobile communications industry," 31st European Regional ITS Conference, Gothenburg 2022: Reining in Digital Platforms? Challenging monopolies, promoting competition and developing regulatory regimes 265614, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:itse22:265614
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Houngbonon, Georges Vivien & Jeanjean, François, 2016. "What level of competition intensity maximises investment in the wireless industry?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(8), pages 774-790.
    2. Georges Vivien Houngbonon & François Jeanjean, 2016. "What level of competition intensity maximises investment in the wireless industry?," PSE-Ecole d'économie de Paris (Postprint) halshs-01510421, HAL.
    3. Luca Aguzzoni & Benno Buehler & Luca Martile & Ron Kemp & Anton Schwarz, 2018. "Ex-post Analysis of Mobile Telecom Mergers: The Case of Austria and The Netherlands," De Economist, Springer, vol. 166(1), pages 63-87, March.
    4. Georges Vivien Houngbonon & François Jeanjean, 2016. "What level of competition intensity maximises investment in the wireless industry?," Post-Print halshs-01510421, HAL.
    5. Jeanjean, François & Houngbonon, Georges Vivien, 2017. "Market structure and investment in the mobile industry," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 12-22.
    6. Nickell, Stephen J, 1981. "Biases in Dynamic Models with Fixed Effects," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 49(6), pages 1417-1426, November.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • K20 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - General
    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications

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