Networks and Infrastructure

Pipelines, Platforms, and the New Rules of Strategy

Many businesses are “pipelines” that channel goods or services to consumers. Today, pipelines face competition from a new business model, the platform. Platforms provide opportunities for consumers and producers to interact, just as Uber connects drivers and passengers.

Reflecting on the 1996 Act

The 1996 Telecommunications Act was intended to open communications markets to competition. Legislators did not foresee the role that the Internet and wireless service would play in increasing competition; instead, they emphasized the importance of local telephone networks.

Unlocking Spectrum Value through Improved Allocation, Assignment, and Adjudication of Spectrum Rights

Future demand for wireless services will be hard to satisfy, as little unused spectrum remains. Wireless services must use spectrum more intensively. Reform is needed to facilitate intensive use, freeing wireless firms to negotiate deals with neighbors and resolve disputes.

The Wasteland: Anticommons, White Spaces, and the Fallacy of Spectrum

This article analyzes the advantages of allowing public access to broadcast frequencies between commercial stations.

Using Spectrum Auctions to Enhance Competition in Wireless Services

This paper looks at how regulators can support more competition between different wireless services.

Dr. Generative or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the iPhone

This paper reviews Jonathan Zittrain's 2008 book, The Future of the Internet -- And How to Stop It

An Antitrust Analysis of the Case for Wireless Network Neutrality

This article asks whether wireless firms should be regulated to improve competition.

Modular Confines of Mobile Networks: Are iPhones iPhony?

This paper assesses a regulatory proposal for wireless phones.

Winning Play in Spectrum Auctions

This looks at why bidders pay different prices for similar rights in FCC auctions for rights to use wireless spectrum.

Competition vs. Regulation in Mobile Telecommunications

This paper discusses the benefits, detriments and effects of different regulation schemes on the mobile telecom sector.