Towards better mobile quality of service: Assessing the role of regulation

Abstract

This research aims to identify the main drivers of Quality of Service (QoS) metrics for wireless telecommunications services, evaluating the impact that regulatory requirements have on mobile network quality. To answer our research question, we developed a panel consisting of a global sample of countries, compiling some of the most common QoS metrics for mobile broadband (such as download and upload speed, and latency), plus an extensive set of controls. Our empirical strategy consists in two-way fixed-effects (TWFE) models complemented with novel differences-in-differences techniques. The results suggest that the introduction of QoS regulations has not resulted in any positive effect for the performance of wireless telecommunications services. Instead, the results suggest that policymakers intending to maximize network performance should focus on other key areas such as spectrum availability, the introduction of the latest technological standards and expanded smartphone penetration.