This chapter has reviewed many features of the markets and suggested some ways in which they may be analysed. In terms of the Huber analysis of Section 1.9, there is much support for the view that networks are becoming increasingly pleuralistic, with competition, generally rather imperfect, becoming established in many areas of previous monopoly. There is no evidence that this is putting up costs. The arguments for natural monopoly have weakened, although they still retain some power in local networks and in developing countries. The separation of network operation from the services which are run over it, offers a possible way forward. Big operators still dominate most of the markets, however, and regulatory intervention is needed to keep them as open as possible. In terms of the discovery process, it is difficult for regulators to keep up with developments in the markets, which are highly innovative and growing rapidly, making deregulation the preferred alternative wherever practicable.

Inspec keywords: monopoly; game theory; telecommunication industry; industrial economics; corporate acquisitions

Other keywords: market dynamics; market structure; merger; monopoly; world telecommunications economics; regulatory intervention; game theory; duopoly; Huber analysis

Subjects: Telecommunication