nep-ict New Economics Papers
on Information and Communication Technologies
Issue of 2006‒10‒21
two papers chosen by
Walter Frisch
University Vienna

  1. Usage and Diffusion of Cellular Telephony, 1998-2004 By Michal Grajek; Tobias Kretschmer
  2. Government size and output volatility: is there a relationship? By Virén , Matti

  1. By: Michal Grajek; Tobias Kretschmer
    Abstract: In this paper, we study the dynamics of usage intensity of second-generation cellular telephony over the diffusion curve. We address two specific questions: First, does information about usage intensity over time allow us to draw conclusions about the underlying drivers of technology diffusion? Seconds, what effect does the existence and penetration of previous generations and other networks in the same generation on network usage intensity? Using an operator-level panel covering 41 countries with quarterly data over 6 years, we find that heterogeneity among adopters dominates network effects and that different technological generations are complements in terms of usage, but substitutes in terms of subscription. <br> <br> <i>ZUSAMMENFASSUNG - (Gebrauch und Infusion von Mobilfunktelefonie, 1998-2004) <br> In diesem Beitrag untersuchen wir die Dynamik der Gebrauchsintensität von Mobilfunktelekommunikation zweiter Generation (D-Netzwerk in Deutschland) in verschiedenen Phasen ihrer Marktdiffusion. Wir stellen zwei spezifische Fragen: Erstens, kann man an Hand der Informationen über die Gebrauchsintensität die zugrundeliegenden Treiber der Technologiediffusion identifizieren? Zweitens, welche Auswirkung haben die Existenz und die Marktdurchdringung der vorherigen Generationen und andere Netzwerke derselben Generation auf die Gebrauchsintensität eines Mobilfunknetzwerks? Mittels der Paneldaten auf Netzwerkbetreiberebene, die 41 Nationen vierteljährlich über 6 Jahre umspannen, finden wir, dass die Abonnentenheterogenität die Netzwerkeffekte dominiert. Außerdem stellt sich heraus, dass die unterschiedlichen Technologiegenerationen bezüglich der Gebrauchsintensität komplementär zueinander sind, jedoch bezüglich ihrer Subskription Substituten darstellen.</i>
    Keywords: Cellular telephony, diffusion, network effects, consumer heterogeneity, fixed-mobile substitutability
    JEL: L1 L52 O38
    Date: 2006–09
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wzb:wzebiv:spii2006-20&r=ict
  2. By: Virén , Matti (University of Turku and Bank of Finland)
    Abstract: This paper provides some further tests for the proposition that a larger public sector leads to smaller out-put volatility. Both Gali and Fatas & Mihov have provided some evidence which appears to support this proposition. Their evidence is, however, based on a relatively small sample of countries. In this study, we go beyond the OECD sample and focus on a much larger World Bank data set covering up to 208 countries for the period 1960–2002. We also seek to utilise some time series aspects of the material by using pooled cross-section time series data. Tests with different models and measures clearly indicate that the original results are not very robust and the relationship between government size and output volatility is either nonexistent or very weak at best.
    Keywords: government; fiscal policy; automatic stabilisers
    JEL: E32 E62 H30
    Date: 2005–05–11
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:bofrdp:2005_008&r=ict

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