Network Neutrality on the Internet: An Economic Analysis

Abstract:     
Through the Internet with broadband, users can benefit different applications such as streaming media, on-line games, video phones, etc. along with traditional internet services. However, it has been largely argued that bandwidth need and delay sensitivity for the mentioned applications, and growing user demand on such contents incite network operators to discriminate against content or application providers. This situation simply refers to deviation from network neutrality, and it has become a heated debate since 2005. In fact, the debate is highly technical, and requires more research to reach reliable conclusions. The book is designed to be a contribution on this way. In particular, it aims to analyze how incentives of network providers to deviate from network neutrality may create social costs and benefits. The analysis should be useful to researchers, policy makers, and regulators in information and communication technologies.

Keywords: internet, network neutrality, price discrimination, vertical foreclosure, two-sided market, monopoly, duopoly, degree of integration, quality of service

JEL Classification: L12, L13, L15, L51, L96

Accepted Paper Series