Question

Consider the markets for head sets, smart phones, cellular telephone service, and cell phone applications. Assume the market for headsets is controlled by many firms selling similar products, smart phone manufacturers use advertising to differentiate their products, only a few firms control a large portion of the cellular telephone service market, and cell phone applications are produced by many firms selling differentiated products. Classify the market for each of the following mobile goods and services as either monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition, or perfect competition. a) Head sets b) Smart phones c) Cellular telephone service d) Cell phone applications

Answer 1

Answer:

a) Head sets - perfect competition

b) Smart phones - monopolistic competition

c) Cellular telephone service - oligopoly

d) Cell phone applications - monopolistic competition

Explanation:

The following definitions explain the categorisation of competition:

- Perfect competition is when many firms sell similar products, no firm or buyer has control of market price. The barriers to entry are low. This is characterised by headsets

- The market for smart phones is monopolistic competition because advertisement is used to create product differentiation with the aim of gaining better market control

- Oligopoly is characterised by few firms controlling the market and keeping each other from dominating the market. This is they type of competition for cellular telephone service.

- Monopolistic competition is one where many firms produce dirlfferentiated products that are not substitutes. This is shown in market for cell phone applications