Topic: The impact of regulations on investment in mobile telephone infrastructure in SADC countries
Date: Friday 17 August 2018 @ 10am
Venue: Economics Seminar Room, National University of Lesotho
Dear all,
We are starting our new academic year (2018/2019) with a seminar presentation to be given by Professor Albert Makochekanwa (a visiting Professor from the Department of Economics, University of Zimbabwe). He will be presenting the paper titled "The impact of regulations on investment in mobile telephone infrastructure in SADC countries".
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of policy regulations on investments in mobile telecommunications network infrastructure in all the fifteen-member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The research employed panel data econometrics to achieve its stated objective. Estimated results shows that the coefficient of GDP per capita is positive and statistically significant, implying that an increase in this variable results in increase in demand and this in turn motivates infrastructure investment in mobile telephone.
The coefficient on the previous level of mobile telephone infrastructure investment variable (Invkt-1) was found to be positive and statistically significant. This means that there is a systematic positive association between previous level of mobile telephone infrastructure investment and current level. The coefficient of the main variable of interest representing mandatory unbundling (Regkt) was found to be positive sign and statistically significant. This implies that, overall, mandatory unbundling access regulation boost infrastructure investment in mobile telecommunication.
Regression estimates shows that the coefficient of one of the variable of interest, political constraint (POLCON) has a negative and statistically significant impact on determining the level of mobile telephone infrastructure investment in SADC countries. Whilst this result is against expectations, one possible explanation may be presence of high level of rent seeking bahaviour.
As usual, light refreshments will be provided for those attending the seminar.
Kind regards
Mamello Nchake (Economics seminar coordinator)