The concept of "universal service obligation" (USO) has been around for decades; however, its definition continues to change. The notion that the last mile of fixed-line access should be subsidized has spread around the world, despite well reasoned arguments and empirical evidence that the...

This paper considers universal service in an environment of converged service and broadband. To this end, it is crucial to distinguish carefully between the availability of the service and the use of the service. Universal service program objectives must be clearly stated, and programs must be...

There is currently widespread discussion in the USA of the merits of amending legislation to allow competition in the cable television market, notably from the telecommunications companies. This article explores what economic theory can contribute to this debate, and adduces empirical evidence...

The interests of local exchange carriers, regulators and customers are converging on the desirability of local measured service. Competition requires it for local exchange carriers, it solves difficult problems for regulators, and it meets equity concerns of customers and offers them the...

In recent years, global mobile telephony has experienced spectacular demand growth that is unmatched by anything in the long history of fixed network-based telecommunications. The International Telecommunications Union estimates that, in 2002, the number of mobile subscribers worldwide (over...

Using panel data on 23 countries, we find a positive and statistically significant relationship between privatization and network expansion and efficiency in the Latin American region. We also find that excess demand for basic service is strongly and negatively related to tariff rebalancing,...

Telecommunications deregulation strategies have been self-evidently different in Hong Kong and China due to differences existing in political and economic systems. This paper will provide an overview of contemporary trends in telecommunications deregulation in these two territories. Comparisons...

This paper provides a comprehensive review of a policy debate that has led to a unique 3G licensing scheme in Hong Kong. Key issues to be addressed include the choice of technical standards, allocation of radio spectrum, licensing options and open network requirement. With reference to the case...

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the effects of telecommunications liberalisation on the fixed line telecommunications operators' strategy formulation in Hong Kong. The analysis is based on an innovative experimental methodology to measure the level of quality of the major...