The Welfare Effects of Mobile Internet Access: Evidence from Roam-Like-at-Home

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Quinn, Martin; de Matos, Miguel Godinho; Peukert, Christian
• 署名单位: Erasmus University Rotterdam - Excl Erasmus MC; Erasmus University Rotterdam; Universidade Catolica Portuguesa; University of Lausanne
• 刊物名称: ECONOMIC JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0013-0133
• DOI: 10.1093/ej/uead101
• 发表日期: 2024
• 页码: 1228-1246
• 关键词: net neutrality; broad-band; consumers-surplus; digital divide

摘要

We evaluate the welfare effects of the Roam-like-at-home regulation, which has drastically reduced the price of accessing the mobile Internet for residents of the European Economic Area when travelling abroad in the European Economic Area. Our estimates using individual-level consumption data suggest that consumer surplus increased by around euro2.44 per user and travel day. We show that around 40% of the consumer surplus gains originated from a reduction in deadweight loss, that is, new users accessing the mobile Internet. We also highlight that the regulation had a heterogeneous impact on consumers, varying with usage intensity and the reason for travel (business versus leisure).