Abstract

Purpose - This paper analyzes the effect of the handset subsidy and the Mobile Number Portability subscriber subsidy regulation, which are the main regulation adopted in "Law on the Improvement of the Mobile Terminal Distribution System" (Mobile Terminal Distribution Act), on the social surplus, the consumer surplus and profits of telecommunications carriers. We focus our analysis on whether the service charge competition is stimulated enough so that it can compensate for the loss of subsidies. Research design, data, and methodology - We use simple economic model to assess the impact of the handset subsidy and the Mobile Number Portability subscriber subsidy regulation. Unlike the former researches on this topic, we depart from using Hotelling model, and instead use the switching cost model, which uses switching cost as a parameter of market powers of telecommunications carriers. We also study the effect of the two different regulations when they are adopted both independently and concurrently. Results - If the market powers of telecommunications carriers are over certain threshold, contrary to the regulatory agency's assertion, the service charge competition would not be stimulated enough to compensate for the deduction in the subsidies, and thus the consumer surplus is compromised. Number Portability subsidy, especially, undermines the rival's market power and thus reduces the service charge. On the other hand, the regulations will also increase the profits of telecommunications carriers. However, social surplus is maximized when both of the regulations are present because the regulations reduces the frequency of switching handsets inefficiently. Conclusions - In enacting the Mobile Terminal Distribution Act, the telecommunications regulatory agency asserted that the regulation on subsidies will stimulate service charge competition, and in the long run, enhance the consumer surplus. However, contrary to the regulatory agency's assertion, subsidy regulation, especially the regulation on Number Portability subsidy, reduces consumer surplus. On the other hand, the Mobile Terminal Distribution Act can also increase the profits of telecommunications carriers because it decreases competition among the telecommunications carriers. However, the Mobile Terminal Distribution Act can increase the social surplus because it reduces inefficient switching of handsets.