Econometric study on the impacts of privatization, new entry, and independent regulator on mobile penetration and expansion in developing countries

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1819796 (Table of Contents)

In this study, we analyze the effect of telecommunication reform variables (privatization, competition and Independent regulator) on mobile penetration using a panel dataset of 46 developing countries, which covers the period 1995-2016. Using fixed effect model to estimate the correlation between reform variables and our dependent variable we find positive and statistically significant correlation between competition level and mobile penetration rate. The results also suggest that privatization per se is associated with increase in the mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people. The results indicate that while existence of an independent regulator a long with privatization increase the mobile penetration, presence of independent regulator although positive but not significantly correlated with mobile penetration.