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Reforming the Postal Universal Service

Author

Listed:
  • Gautier Axel

    (University of Liege (ULg), HEC Management School, LCII (lcii.eu), and CORE, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium)

  • Poudou Jean-Christophe

    (LAMETA, University of Montpellier and LabEx “Entreprendre”, Montpellier, France)

Abstract

The postal sector has undergone dramatic changes over the recent years under the double effect of ongoing liberalization and increased competition with alternative communication channels (e-substitution). As a result, the mail volume handled by the historical operator has declined sharply while the latter’s ability to match the same standard of universal service may be under threat. Thus, a reform of the postal universal service is on the agenda. This paper examines possible reforming options ranging from keeping universal service within the postal sector to redefining universal service as spanning postal and electronic technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gautier Axel & Poudou Jean-Christophe, 2014. "Reforming the Postal Universal Service," Review of Network Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 13(4), pages 453-477, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rneart:v:13:y:2014:i:4:p:453-477:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/rne-2015-0001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. CORNUEJOLS, Gérard & WOLSEY, Laurence & YILDIZ, Sercan, 2013. "Sufficiency of cut-generating functions," LIDAM Discussion Papers CORE 2013027, Université catholique de Louvain, Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE).
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    6. Hasbi, Maude, 2015. "Universal service obligations and public payphone use: Is regulation still necessary in the era of mobile telephony?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(5), pages 421-435.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • L87 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Postal and Delivery Services

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