The significance of technological change (e.g. television broadcasting is now excludable)
Technology can change whether a good counts as a public good. When TV signals became encrypted, broadcasters could exclude non-payers — turning a public good into a private one.
Real World
Sky Sports uses encryption so only paying subscribers can watch Premier League football — the same broadcast signal that was once free-to-air is now excludable.
Exam Focus
Name the specific characteristic technology changes (excludability) and link it directly to the good's reclassification for full marks.
Price Elasticity of Demand
PED = % change in quantity demanded ÷ % change in price
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