IT230 Economics of Information and Communication
Economics of Information and Communication notes
9 chapter notes, in syllabus order. Each starts with the key points.
Unit 1
Introduction to Information Economics · note coming
Unit 2
Info Goods: Costs, Pricing & Market PowerUnit 2 of Economics of Information and Communication explores the unique traits of information goods—zero marginal cost, non-rivalry, bundling, and pricing challenges—using real-world examples from eSewa, YouTube, and Ncell to show how these principles shape digital markets.10 min readUnit 3
Asymmetric Information: Hidden Info, Adverse Selection & Moral HazardUnit 3 of Economics of Information and Communication explores asymmetric information—when buyers and sellers know different things—its types (hidden characteristics, hidden actions, hidden intentions), real-world impacts (market failures, inefficiencies), and solutions (screening, signaling, government regulation). Cov11 min readUnit 4
Pricing Strategies for Digital Goods: Models, Costs & Market PowerUnit 4 of Economics of Information and Communication explores how digital products (e.g., software, e-books, streaming) are priced differently from physical goods, covering cost structures, pricing models (linear, versioning, bundling), and real-world applications like eSewa’s transaction fees or YouTube’s ad revenue. 9 min readUnit 5
Network Economics: Metcalfe’s Law, Direct & Indirect Networks, Platforms & Tipping PointsUnit 5 of Economics of Information and Communication explores how network effects, externalities, and platform competition shape industries like telecom, social media, and fintech—using real-world examples from Ncell, Pathao, and eSewa to illustrate pricing, adoption curves, and regulatory challenges.8 min readUnit 6
Telecommunication Market Structure: Models, Players & Regulatory ImpactUnit 6 of Economics of Information and Communication explores the structure of telecom markets—monopoly, oligopoly, and competitive models—how they shape pricing, entry barriers, and regulation, with case studies from Nepal’s NTC, Ncell, and global giants like Google Fiber.10 min readUnit 7
Regulation of ICT: Policies, Models & Market ControlUnit 7 of Economics of Information and Communication explores how governments and agencies regulate ICT industries—through licensing, competition laws, pricing controls, and sector-specific policies—to ensure fair markets, consumer protection, and infrastructure growth in Nepal and globally.16 min readUnit 8
ICT and Economic Growth: Drivers, Impact, and PolicyUnit 8 of Economics of Information and Communication explores how ICT adoption accelerates GDP growth, reduces poverty, and transforms industries—with case studies from Nepal (eSewa, Ncell) and global tech giants (Google, WhatsApp), plus policy tools like digital literacy programs and broadband subsidies.7 min readUnit 9
ICT Policy in Nepal: Frameworks, Goals & ChallengesUnit 9 of Economics of Information and Communication explores Nepal’s ICT policies, their objectives, implementation frameworks, and real-world impacts on digital infrastructure, economic growth, and regulatory challenges.9 min readUnit 10
Contemporary ICT Issues: Privacy, Security, AI Ethics & Digital DivideUnit 10 of Economics of Information and Communication explores emerging challenges in ICT—data privacy laws, cybersecurity threats, ethical AI deployment, and the digital divide—using real-world cases from Nepal (eSewa, Ncell) and global tech (Google, WhatsApp) to illustrate economic impacts and policy responses.8 min read