Final answer:
A characteristic of the consolidation phase of e-commerce is increased market competition, fostered by advancements in communication technologies and globalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question focuses on identifying a characteristic of the consolidation phase of e-commerce. During this phase, businesses experience increased market competition due to the adoption of new technologies and the effects of globalization. The proliferation of the internet and improvements in communication technologies have allowed consumers to shop globally, escalating competition for local retailers. Likewise, business-to-business websites enable interactions between buyers and suppliers on a worldwide scale, further enhancing competition. This situation corresponds with option b) Increased market competition.