Net Neutrality with Competing Internet Platforms

35 Pages Posted: 20 May 2012

See all articles by Marc Bourreau

Marc Bourreau

Telecom ParisTech

Frago Kourandi

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - Department of Economics

Tommaso M. Valletti

Imperial College Business School; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 17, 2012

Abstract

We propose a two-sided model with two competing Internet platforms, and a continuum of heterogeneous Content Providers (CPs). We study the effect of a net neutrality regulation on capacity investments in the market for Internet access, and innovation in the market for content. Under the alternative discriminatory regime, platforms charge a priority fee to those CPs which are willing to deliver their content on a fast lane. We find that, under discrimination, investments in broadband capacity and content innovation are both higher than in the net neutrality regime. Total welfare increases, though the discriminatory regime is not always beneficial to the platforms as it can intensify competition for subscribers. We also consider the possibility of sabotage, and show that it can only emerge, with adverse welfare effects, under discrimination.

Keywords: net neutrality, two-sided markets, platform competition, investment, innovation

JEL Classification: L13, L51, L52, L96

Suggested Citation

Bourreau, Marc and Kourandi, Frago and Valletti, Tommaso M., Net Neutrality with Competing Internet Platforms (May 17, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2061571 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2061571

Marc Bourreau (Contact Author)

Telecom ParisTech ( email )

46, rue Barrault
Paris Cedex 13, F-75634
France

Frago Kourandi

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - Department of Economics ( email )

1, Sofokleous Str
Athens, GR- 10559
Greece

Tommaso M. Valletti

Imperial College Business School ( email )

South Kensington Campus
Exhibition Road
London SW7 2AZ, SW7 2AZ
United Kingdom

Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

London
United Kingdom

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