A Non-Economic Model of the Social Value of Network Policy

Abstract

To understand market dynamics relating to net neutrality better, in particular from the end-user perspective, this study examines consumer perception of neutrality and the public value under debate within the neutrality discussions. Focusing on the user perspective, it analyzes the policy effectiveness of current net neutrality by analyzing user perception and opinion. A value model is proposed to empirically test the policy effectiveness by incorporating factors representing net neutrality. The factors are drawn from people's perceived concepts of net neutrality. The findings show that while competition and regulation are the two main factors constituting net neutrality, each of them influences the formation of attitude toward policy effectiveness differently. This study contributes to policymakers by increasing an understanding of market dynamics relating to net neutrality, in particular from the end-user perspective.