Bundling, Differentiation, Alliances and Mergers: Convergence Strategies in U.S. Communication Markets

Bauer, Johannes M. (2005): Bundling, Differentiation, Alliances and Mergers: Convergence Strategies in U.S. Communication Markets. Published in: International Journal of Digital Economics No. 60 : pp. 59-83.

Abstract

Convergence is a multi-facetted phenomenon affecting the technological basis of information and communication industries, the boundaries of existing and new markets, and the organization of service providers. Convergence in substitutes will tend to increase the intensity of competition but convergence in complements may have the opposite effect. Given the economics of advanced communication industries, convergence necessitates strategies to overcome the risk of commodification at the level of networks, applications, and services. The paper examines bundling, differentiation, alliances, and merger strategies adopted by North American service providers in response to convergence. Service providers'opportunities and risks in the emerging environment differ considerably, with cable and telephone service providers presently in stronger positions than wireless service providers, broadcasters, and satellite service providers. New entrants such as Vonage, Skype, Google, and Yahoo have high disruptive potential but remain disadvantaged without their own access networks.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Institution: Communications & Strategies
• Language: English
• Keywords: convergence; bundling; differentiation; alliances; mergers
• Subjects: L - Industrial Organization > L9 - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities > L90 - General; L - Industrial Organization > L4 - Antitrust Issues and Policies > L43 - Legal Monopolies and Regulation or Deregulation; K - Law and Economics > K2 - Regulation and Business Law > K23 - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law; L - Industrial Organization > L5 - Regulation and Industrial Policy > L51 - Economics of Regulation; L - Industrial Organization > L4 - Antitrust Issues and Policies > L41 - Monopolization ; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices; L - Industrial Organization > L9 - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities > L96 - Telecommunications