Measuring the technology gap of APEC integrated telecommunications operators

This study measures and compares the technology gaps related to the efficiency of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) integrated telecommunications operators during a time period from 2001 to 2008 using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) meta-frontier approach. It is found that operators in the high penetration rate group have higher technical efficiency and smaller technology gaps on average than those in the low penetration rate group. However, operators with large amounts of revenue do not necessarily achieve higher efficiency and smaller technology gaps. Finally, policy implications on how to improve efficiency and reduce technology gaps in this sector are provided.

► We measure the technology gaps of integrated operators using DEA meta-frontier.
► Operators in the high penetration rate group have smaller technology gaps.
► Large revenue operators do not necessarily achieve smaller technology gaps.