Competition Between Networks: A Study of the Market for Yellow Pages

S-Tier
Journal: Review of Economic Studies
Year: 2004
Volume: 71
Issue: 2
Pages: 483-512

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper estimates the importance of network effects in the market for Yellow Pages. I estimate three simultaneous equations: consumer demand for usage of a directory, advertiser demand for advertising and a publisher's first-order condition (derived from profit-maximizing behaviour). Estimation shows that advertisers value consumer usage and that consumers value advertising, implying a network effect. I find that internalizing network effects would significantly increase surplus. As an application, I consider whether the market benefits from monopoly (which takes advantage of network effects) or oligopoly (which reduces market power). I find that a more competitive market is preferable. Copyright 2004, Wiley-Blackwell.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:restud:v:71:y:2004:i:2:p:483-512
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29