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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Stühmeier, Torben |
| Abstract: | This model discusses mobile network operators' (MNOs) incentives to invest in their network facilities such as new 4G networks under various regimes of data roaming charge regulation. Given an induced externality of investments (spillovers) due to the roaming agreements it will be shown that MNOs, competing on investments, widely set higher investments for below cost regulation of roaming charges. Otherwise, if MNOs are free to collaborate on investments, they set higher investment levels for above cost roaming charges. Both below- and above cost charges may be preferred from a welfare perspective. Furthermore, the paper discusses e ects of the roaming charge regulation on roaming quality and MNOs' coverage. -- |
| Keywords: | mobile Internet,investment spillover,national roaming,regulation |
| JEL: | L22 L51 L96 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:dicedp:46&r=ict |
| By: | Maixe-Altes, J. Carles |
| Abstract: | Technical advances in retail banking have had profound repercussions for the competitiveness of individual firms and for the sector as a whole. This paper looks at the role played by new technological resources within the context of organizational change and the products and services offered by Spanish savings banks. These entities constitute an excellent case study, given that they have been incorporating technology intensively, particularly since the 1960’s. In the case in question, persistence had little influence on the process of technological change. However, the mechanization of operations, the computerization of administrative systems and the establishment of data transfer networks were all exceptional and premature in the way in which they developed. It was the banking industry, prior to other sectors that stimulated the demand for certain technologies, which was somewhat idiosyncratic when compared to other countries. |
| Keywords: | productivity; retail banking; savings banks; technological change; Spain; Europe |
| JEL: | N24 O33 N84 G21 |
| Date: | 2012–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:37726&r=ict |
| By: | Jenny Aker, Rachid Boumnijel, Amanda McClelland, and Niall Tierney |
| Abstract: | Conditional and unconditional cash transfers often help improve development outcomes, yet their costs to program recipients and implementing agencies are rarely discussed. Mobile money transfer systems in many developing countries now offer more cost-effective implementation of cash transfer programs. This paper reports on the first randomized evaluation of a cash transfer program delivered via the mobile phone. In response to a devastating drought in Niger, the trial provided households in targeted villages monthly cash transfers as part of a social protection program. One-third of targeted villages received a monthly cash transfer via a mobile money transfer system (called zap); one-third received manual cash transfers; and the remaining one-third received manual cash transfers plus a mobile phone. The authors show that the zap-based program strongly reduced the variable distribution costs for the implementing agency, as well as program recipients’ costs of obtaining the cash transfer. The zap approach also resulted in additional benefits: more diverse purchasing, a greater diversity of diet, fewer depleted assets, and a greater diversity of crops grown, especially marginal cash crops grown by women. The authors suggest that the lower costs and greater privacy of the zap mechanism—as well as changes in intra-household decision-making—explain the advantage. Their research suggests that mobile transfers could be a cost-effective means of providing cash transfers for remote rural populations, especially those with limited road and financial infrastructure. |
| Keywords: | Africa, cash transfers, intra-household bargaining, information technology, mobile money |
| JEL: | O1 |
| Date: | 2011–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:268&r=ict |
| By: | KWON Hyeog Ug |
| Abstract: | Using firm-level data from the Establishment and Enterprise Census for 2001 and 2006, we explore the effects of e-commerce on the employment growth rate. In the regression analysis for only the surviving firms between 2001 and 2006, we find that employment grew more rapidly for firms which adopted e-commerce, even when controlling for firm size, age, ownership structure, and industry characteristics. To examine the difference of effects of e-commerce across industries, we divide the whole sample into manufacturing, commerce, and service. We find that e-commerce has a positive influence on employment, irrespective of industries. |
| Date: | 2012–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:rdpsjp:12003&r=ict |