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The demand elasticity of mobile telephones in the Middle East and North Africa

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  • Hakim, Sam
  • Neaime, Simon

Abstract

This study investigates the components of the mobile telephone demand in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) between 1995 and 2007. We find that the magnitude of demand elasticities do not entice collusive behavior between service providers because the effect of price reductions is neutral on total revenues. We also find that the cost of service and administrative corruption have a strong negative effect on mobile penetration, which, surprisingly, is higher in countries with more unequal income distribution. The study discusses how market reforms in developed countries fail to translate to developing countries because several negative externalities are often overlooked.

Suggested Citation

  • Hakim, Sam & Neaime, Simon, 2014. "The demand elasticity of mobile telephones in the Middle East and North Africa," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 1-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:32:y:2014:i:c:p:1-14
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2013.09.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tommaso Valletti, 2003. "Is Mobile Telephony a Natural Oligopoly?," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 22(1), pages 47-65, February.
    2. Gruber, Harald & Verboven, Frank, 2001. "The diffusion of mobile telecommunications services in the European Union," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 45(3), pages 577-588, March.
    3. Dewenter, Ralf & Haucap, Justus, 2004. "Estimating Demand Elasticities for Mobile Telecommunications in Austria," Working Paper 33/2004, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg.
    4. Veiseh, Nima, 2010. "Reconciling Acemoglu and Sachs: geography, institutions and technology," MPRA Paper 33574, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Carlo Maria Rossotto & Khalid Sekkat & Aristomene Varoudakis, 2005. "Opening up telecommunications to competition and MENA integration in the world economy," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 17(7), pages 931-955.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Katz, Raúl & Jung, Juan, 2023. "The impact of taxation in the telecommunications industry," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    3. Bouali, Safieddine, 2017. "Regulated termination rates and competition among Tunisian mobile network operators. Barriers, bias, and incentives," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(7), pages 573-586.
    4. Ezzat Riham Ahmed, 2017. "Fixed-Mobile Substitution in MENA Countries: The Future of Fixed-Line Markets," Review of Network Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 16(4), pages 387-417, December.

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