Economics: Principles & Policy
Economics: Principles & Policy
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781337696326
Author: William J. Baumol; Alan S. Blinder; John L. Solow
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 14, Problem 1DQ
To determine

The effects of changes in technology.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

An increase in the number of customers of the electronic and telephone companies would increase the use of their services and this would reduce the average cost of these companies. A large part of the costs associated with these companies is fixed. Thus, adding a second or third distribution service would be wasteful, which also covers the same route as the first. Therefore, it is better to serve these services by a single agency. A monopoly can serve the public interest, provided that the firm does not exploit its customers using market power. A technological change can alter the cost structure and efficiency of an industry. A technological change may be able to provide the same service at a lower cost, which would eliminate a natural monopoly.  The impact of small satellite TV dishes on cable TV networks is an example of the effect of technological changes.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Micro Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:9781337613064
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Cengage,
Text book image
Survey Of Economics
Economics
ISBN:9781337111522
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Cengage,
Text book image
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781337617383
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Microeconomics
Economics
ISBN:9781337617406
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Exploring Economics
Economics
ISBN:9781544336329
Author:Robert L. Sexton
Publisher:SAGE Publications, Inc
Text book image
Economics:
Economics
ISBN:9781285859460
Author:BOYES, William
Publisher:Cengage Learning