Markets vs regulators and the battle to determine market structure: evidence from the UK cable industry

Abstract

It is well known that it is difficult to dislodge incumbents if new entrants provide identical services via identical channels. Hence, it was expected that, especially in a broadband world, the main competition for fixed‐wire networks would come from cable operators. The UK was one of the first countries in Europe to develop cable as a practical alternative to fixed‐wire telephony, but in the event not only was the initial structure of the industry seriously flawed but the cost of creating cable networks proved to be a recipe for bankruptcy. However, once restructured post‐bankruptcy, the remaining two cable operators may finally fulfil their destiny.

Citation

Curwen, P. (2004), "Markets vs regulators and the battle to determine market structure: evidence from the UK cable industry", info, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 24-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690410535908