Ten years ago, the United States stood at the forefront of the Internet revolution. With some of the fastest speeds and lowest prices in the world for high-speed Internet access, the nation was poised to be the global leader in the new knowledge-based economy. Today that global competitive advantage has all but vanished because of a series of government decisions and resulting monopolies that have allowed dozens of countries, including Japan and South Korea, to pass us in both speed and price of broadband. This steady slide backward not only deprives consumers of vital services needed in a competitive employment and business market—it also threatens the economic future of the nation. This important book by leading telecommunications policy expert Susan Crawford explores why Americans are now paying much more but getting much less when it comes to high-speed Internet access. Using the 2011 merger between Comcast and NBC Universal as a lens, Crawford examines how we have created the biggest monopoly since the breakup of Standard Oil a century ago. In the clearest terms, this book explores how telecommunications monopolies have affected the daily lives of consumers and America's global economic standing.

"Services Marketing is well known for its authoritative presentation and strong instructor support. The new 6th edition continues to deliver on this promise. Contemporary Services Marketing concepts and techniques are presented in an Australian and Asia-Pacific context. In this edition, the very latest ideas in the subject are brought to life with new and updated case studies covering the competitive world of services marketing. New design features and a greater focus on Learning Objectives in each chapter make this an even better guide to Services Marketing for students. The strategic marketing framework gives instructors maximum flexibility in teaching. Suits undergraduate and graduate-level courses in Services Marketing."

A comprehensive economic examination of the global competitive restructuring that is now occurring as a result of the US Telecommunications Act 1996. The book guides the reader to the most effective methods of building and enhancing competitive advantage in new markets.