Network Effects and Two-Sided Markets

57 Pages Posted: 29 Jul 2007

See all articles by Cento Veljanovski

Cento Veljanovski

Case Associates; Institute of Economic Affairs

Date Written: 2007

Abstract

This paper sets out the basic economics of network effects and two-sided or multi-sided markets as relevant to antitrust and regulation. Network effects, and the related concept of two- (or multi-) sided markets, are playing an increasing role in antitrust/competition law in the communications sector, computer hardware and software, Computer Ticketing Services (CRS), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and credit card schemes sectors to name a few; and also in the evaluation of mergers, industry standards, market structure and competitive behaviour. The discussion begins by defining network effects and the way they alter the economics of market structure, competitive behaviour and pricing. The theory is then applied to concerns over the adoption of industry and product standards, mergers in the communications sector, and the pricing of mobile services. This is followed by an introduction to the theory of two-sided markets. This covers situations where network effects affect consumers in different groups or sides of the market brought together by a third party, such as credit card schemes. The theory of two-sided markets is developed and then applied to some features of credit card schemes. This paper is a module for the Kings College, University of London Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Economics in Competition Law, 2006/2007.

Keywords: network effects, two-sided markets, multisided markets, credit cards

JEL Classification: L10, L41, L44, L52

Suggested Citation

Veljanovski, Cento, Network Effects and Two-Sided Markets (2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1003447 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1003447

Cento Veljanovski (Contact Author)

Case Associates ( email )

Pavilion
96 Kensington High Street
London, W8 4SG
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 73764418 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.casecon.com

Institute of Economic Affairs

2 Lord North Street, Westminster
London, SW1P 3LB
United Kingdom

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,526
Abstract Views
5,770
Rank
22,744
PlumX Metrics