Forecasting the Internet

This book intends to provide leading research in the area of empirical Internet forecasting, demand analysis, pricing and planning. The purpose of this book is to educate the reader about how traditional analytic techniques can be used to access Internet growth and how new approaches can better address the pricing, planning and regulatory issues of Internet growth. The research presented focuses on forecasts of Internet access and applications and planning and pricing tools for telecommunication providers. The scope of this volume includes residential demand for Internet access and applications, Internet pricing and regulatory policy, and new analytical forecasting techniques. The book addresses some of the most critical questions facing the industry such as the impact of data communications on traditional voice networks, growth rates for Internet usage and access, pricing and planning for network growth. With the magnitude of changes affecting the telecommunications industry, there is a critical need for research addressing demand analysis and forecasting. Industry personnel, regulators and policymakers are all looking to understand new services, new techniques, and new ways to succeed in an ever-changing environment. This book fills some of the void in research addressing these crucial problems.