A monopolist, unlike a competitive firm, has some market power. It can raise its price, within limits, without the quantity demanded falling to zero The main way it retains its market power is through barriers to entry-that is, other companies cannot enter the market to create competition in that particular industry.
1. Complete the following table by indicating which barrier to entry appropriately explains why a monopoly exists in each scenario.
Barriers to Entry
Exclusive Ownership of a Key Resource Government Created Monopolies Economies of Scale
Scenario:
1. At the national level, the Federal Communications Commission licenses only a certain number of radio and television stations in each geographic area.
2. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) formerly controlled all U. S. sources of bauxite, a key component in the production of aluminum. Given that Alcoa did not sell bauxite to any other companies, Alcoa was a monopolist in the U. S. aluminum industry from the late 19th century until the 1940s.
3. In the electricity industry, low average total costs are obtained only through large-scale production. In other words, the initial cost of setting up all the necessary wiring makes it risky and, most likely, unprofitable for competitors to enter the market.