Final answer:
Technologies such as the Internet and communication satellites have decreased both time and cost separation, leading to more consumer choice, cheaper long-distance calls, and a better-quality phone service.
Step-by-step explanation:
Technologies such as the Internet and communication satellites have decreased time separation and have decreased cost separation. The correct answer to the question is B) Decreased, Increased. However, based on the provided information, this is actually a mistake, and the answer should instead be B) Decreased, Decreased. Improvements in technology like microwave transmission, communications satellites, and other wireless technologies have made it easier and more cost-effective for companies to communicate.
This advancement leads to more consumer choice, cheaper phone calls, especially long-distance, and improved quality of service. Furthermore, technologies enable firms to manage operations across various geographical locations, which may result in either a proliferation of small businesses due to a widened potential customer base or a dominance of large firms in a 'winner-take-all' market scenario.