Abstract: Purpose – The short message service (SMS) has been available in Hong Kong and China since the late 1990s. However, the user acceptance patterns for this service have been evidently different in these two regions. Based on fieldwork in Hong Kong and China, this study attempts to explain these differences.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the information technology acceptance framework, which posits that various external factors impact on a person's perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and subjective norms, leading to user acceptance of the SMS.Findings – This study contributes to telecommunications research by delineating the various stimuli to consider for successful technology acceptance in a global setting, which can account for differential impacts across regions. These stimuli include the economic development level, cultural differences, political censorship, business models, market competition, and input language.Research limitations/implications – More rigorous statistical analysi...

Abstract: Purpose – While the ICT industry as a whole is undergoing a potentially disruptive phase of development due to the convergence between information and telecom technologies and the rapid diffusion of internet‐related applications. Against this background the purpose of the paper is to analyse recent patterns of internal/indigenous and external diversification of prominent Finnish telecom firms using data on patents and strategic R&D alliances.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology comprises of statistical analyses of patterns of patenting of Finnish telecom firms to capture the internal/indigenous nature of diversification, compared with patterns of external diversification based on a new database of alliances of Finnish firms.Findings – The results indicate that the Finnish telecom industry has diversified its technological base in recent years. The industry appears internally/indigenously weak in internet‐related “new” telecom technologies and related applications. However, telecom firms have also...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of fixed‐mobile convergence (FMC) with a view to assessing when, and in what form, it is likely to make an appearance.Design/methodology/approach – Various aspects of FMC are investigated including strategic aspects, the technology and the progress of trials. The overall concept is then subjected to analysis and conclusions are drawn.Findings – It is concluded that there is both a demand for FMC and a willingness to provide it. However, there are several hurdles to overcome before its precise form(s) will become clear.Originality/value – This is one of the many topics in telecommunications that are simultaneously difficult to pin down and technologically fairly complicated. This paper is an original attempt to analyse this topic in a manner that makes it comprehensible to the readers of this journal.

Abstract: Purpose – This article seeks to consider why broadband technologies have been so successful in reaching such a large number of new users so quickly, and what characteristics of its pricing have made this possible.Design/methodology/approach – Examines the different pricing strategies available, and their impact on broadband markets and prices, as well as some of the issues involved in measuring broadband prices.Findings – Pricing strategies have major implications for the future development of telecommunication markets, as they are dismantling the constructs on which telecommunication services have historically been priced (namely, distance, time and location). Broadband pricing strategies, especially the growing trend towards flat‐rate pricing, promise to transform the revenue streams and expansion of communication services in future.Originality/value – The findings, based on analysis of a unique price database across 145 countries, will be of value to operators and regulators.

Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the changes in stock market behavior between the pre and post internet/message board eras.Design/methodology/approach – The study examines the stock return behavior for a large subset of firms in the S&P 100 both before and after the implementation of the firms' message boards on Yahoo! Finance.Findings – The data shows a significant increase in daily trading volume after a firm's message board was established which suggests that either new investors were drawn to the market or existing investors were induced to trade more frequently. The results also show that daily returns are significantly lower in the post‐message board era and that the market may have become riskier as the variance of these daily returns is significantly higher. These results hold after controlling for market and industry wide events and they are not unique to the stock market bubble of the late 1990s or the NBER‐dated recession of 2001.Originality/value – This study builds on the work of Ast...

Abstract: Purpose – To examine broadband competition and broadband penetration in a set of countries that employ the same regulation framework. To define the policy and strategy required to promote broadband in weak markets that do not employ alternative infrastructures.Design/methodology/approach – Study penetration and competition level statistics from 2002 to 2005 in a set of countries with different infrastructures deployed, services provided as well as in their social‐economic structures but employing the same regulation framework. Measure the level of inter‐platform and intra‐platform competition as well as the availability of bitstream access versus the incumbents' shares.Findings – The paper concludes that a mature broadband market is the one that exhibits a high penetration ratio in combination with a high competition level. Bitstream access can counterbalance the inexistence of alternative broadband infrastructures, especially in weak markets. In particular the availability of numerous bitstream access ty...

Abstract: Purpose – Internet and GSM have become the dominant designs for information and communication technology (ICT) industries in the late 1990s Internet protocol (IP) is the dominant standard for cost effective networking and new interactive broadband services GSM (2G) is currently the dominant cellular technology and it is the basis of GSM, GPRS (25G) and UMTS (3G), the GSM‐continuum of standards The marriage of broadband internet and mobile has created open questions on which are the future winning wireless standards Will mobile internet be based on the GSM‐continuum or on US wireless developments such as WLAN and WiMAX? In longer time‐scale the Mobile Ad‐hoc Network (MANET) which does not use any preinstalled communications infrastructure may also become a cost‐effective challenger to infrastructure based networks The paper seeks to address these issuesDesign/methodology/approach – The paper elaborates these questions with the aim to provide an analytically clarifying conceptualisation of the compet

Abstract: Purpose – The software industry is rapidly being reformed by the collective development of open, common software – open source software (OSS) – sometimes being free at no charge, but always with the source code revealed for changing, testing and improvement. The purpose here is to examine the role and power of software in the economy and review the economic impacts of the trend to OSS on the software industry, largely from a European industrial and social perspective.Design/methodology/approach – The paper briefly traces the economic significance of the software industry and the dominance in packaged software of the large US publishers, the phenomena of natural monopolies building in software packages, and the need for different industry structure for Europe, as it exhibits a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) and system integrator structure. It then examines the balancing affects of OSS. The paper also addresses the role that poor software plays in creating new costs or externalities for its users wh...

Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to analyze which standard/technology will win the 3G mobile markets. In addition, two sub topics are examined. First, which kind of victory will it be – will one technological solution be all‐dominating or is co‐existence more likely? Second, which are the most decisive factors in the battle between the different standards – which roles do respectively technology path‐dependence, network effects and strategic concerns play?Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken in the paper is to examine the different kinds of stakeholders – in this field, first and foremost, equipment manufacturers, network operators, policy makers/administrators and end users; to analyze how such stakeholders are intervening in the different relevant steps – technology development, technology deployment and technology take‐up – and to analyze these issues from different angles – technology, markets and economy, policy and regulation, and other social aspects.Findings – The paper conc...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to construct a framework for discussion and future studies of the secondary use of electromagnetic spectrum.Design/methodology/approach – The paper establishes some useful definitions and then systematically applies them to the secondary use case. This is extrapolated to develop a framework.Findings – It is important to be careful to circumscribe discussions around secondary use, as each component of the framework poses different problems for implementation and research.Originality/value – The paper proposes a way to structure the discussion of and research into secondary use of electromagnetic spectrum, which can apply significant clarity to future work in this area.

Abstract: Purpose – To provide an evaluation of an EU spectrum policy proposal aimed at furthering the goals of the i2010 Information Society initiative.Design/methodology/approach – This paper revisits the methodology premised on neoclassical principles devised by Ronald Coase. An evaluation of EU spectrum reform based on the work of J.R. Commons is proposed.Findings – The approach by Coase fails to take into account the need for institutional reform of the spectrum management process. The approach of J.R. Commons identifies areas that will have to be addressed if the proposals for EU spectrum reform are to be met.Research limitations/implications – The methodology advanced by J.R. Commons provides a more complete account of interdependent variables associated with spectrum management and is likely to lead to workable solutions to this complex policy problem. However, it is less theoretically coherent than Coase's model.Practical implications – Recommendations for reform and problem areas are suggested that consid...

Abstract: Purpose – To analyse the evolution of the Swedish telecommunications sector (1970‐2003), with a focus on barriers and drivers of innovative activity.Design/methodology/approach – Developing a functional approach to innovation systems analysis, where six basic interdependent functions need to be served for a new technology to be developed and diffused and for a supporting industry to evolve. The sector is divided into four major sub‐sectors: traditional fixed telecom; mobile telephony; fixed data communications (including internet); and mobile data communications (including mobile internet).Findings – Relate to two questions: first, how did it happen that Sweden developed a leading innovation system for mobile telephony but not for data communication; and second, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation system for mobile data communications? Findings include that early developments mattered, innovative search direction is crucial as are the provision of incentives for innovative activity.Res...

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this mainly conceptual paper is to analyze key changes in the institutional setting for standardization and to discuss what they indicate about further developments of the mobile sector. The intention is that this conceptual analysis will complement and contextualize the analysis of Nordic players found in the other papers of this special issue. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is concerned with issues of industrial organization. The paper presents a treatment of industrial dynamics in them mobile telecom sector and the changing role of standards in it. We approach the substantial changes in the mobile telecom sector, focusing on the correspondence of the changes in the standards system to overall industry dynamics. Empirical information from the Symbian case is used to illustrate the hypothesis of standardization process and of the industry at large. Findings - The paper identifies changing patters in the organization of technological standardization which represents a microcosm of the larger reorganization of the sector. Nordic actors, whose present position owes much to success in linking capabilities to sequential mobile standards. The paper draws out implications of the limits to "intergenerational leveraging" in standards. Originality/value - The major contribution of the paper is to focus on changes in the organization of the standardization process in order to discuss the industrial dynamics of an industry which is undergoing a period of rapid change. Its reference to industrial dynamics perspective allows it to link the literature on dominant design to the field of standards research.

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to estimate the social gains from an analog TV switch‐off in 13 EU countries, focusing on the value of TV band spectrum in alternative uses.Design/methodology/approach – By using data from existing mobile phone markets, changes are projected in retail prices for wireless voice services, assuming a reallocation (to mobile telephony) of about 42 percent of TV band spectrum.Findings – It is forecast that retail mobile phone tariffs would substantially decline if a transition to digital television led to enhanced availability of VHF/UHF spectrum for wireless telecommunications. Consumer surplus gains offset transition costs by at least 2‐to‐1, and as much as 45‐to‐1. These net benefits are conservatively estimated in that other services (apart from mobile telephony) could prove more socially valuable, and because we ignore the considerable increase in video choices the transition could provide. It is also found, however, that wireless operators' profits sharply decline with additiona...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to create insight into the way technological, economic or regulatory factors affect broadband rollout in the local loop with the objective of developing a conceptual model that will help us gain insight into critical relationships between these factors and the decision to broadband infrastructure investments, implementation and broadband rollout in the local loop.Design/methodology/approach – To develop a conceptual framework the study used three research methods. A meta‐analysis was conducted to collect and analyze relevant existing literature that discusses broadband rollout in the local loop. Content analysis was used to analyze hypothesis and propositions and network analysis was used to analyze the data extracted from the literature.Findings – The network found provides a valid picture of the complexity involved in broadband rollout. The combination of research methods used has resulted in an approach that is both practical and robust when it comes to describ...

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to explore the feasible use of free and open source software (FOSS) at a policy level in South Korea, which is reacting against being locked into only one technology company, Microsoft.Design/methodology/approach – Based on participatory democratic theory, this paper suggests that the normative role of the state is as a public mediator in the development of an information technology (IT) infrastructure, encouraging greater freedom of choice and the establishment of an electronic environment – such as the community‐based use of software technology – for citizens to use easily and freely.Findings – South Korean policymakers have explored FOSS as a kind of a political metaphor: at the international level, FOSS offers a rare opportunity to free the country from its technological dependence on transnational software vendors. At the national level, it is an engine for technological innovation and for market competition. However, the market or business paradigm has dominated most discus...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to broaden our understanding of internet governance policy options by reviewing and assessing proposals for reforming the institutional mechanisms used to allocate and assign IPv6 addresses.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by identifying the two main economic and technical constraints on IP addressing: route aggregation and address conservation. It then reviews the reform proposals that have been made and assesses the debates that have occurred around those proposals, bearing in mind the key issues of aggregation and conservation. In particular, it attempts to explore whether competition in IP addressing between authorities with diverse policies would be feasible and beneficial.Findings – The debate over addressing policy is in its early stages and has a long way to go. A review of the debate so far suggests that the introduction of economic incentives in addressing might improve route aggregation rather than worsen it. With respect to conservation an...

Abstract: Purpose – As NITEL, Nigeria's former national carrier, has been unable to cope with provision requirements needed by the country to support its development needs, this has led to changes in the attitude of the Nigerian government to competition within the industry. It is the contention of this paper that NITEL could learn from progress already made by its counterparts (such as BT and AT&T) in developed countries such as the UK and USA, especially in the area of regulation and divestiture.Design/methodology/approach – In order to examine these issues, this problem is addressed from two perspectives. In the first place, a comparison is carried out between the Nigerian telecommunications industry and progress already made in the UK and US telecommunications industry. In addition, although contextual differences do exist between the developed UK and US industry and the developing Nigerian market, such a comparison is seen as feasible based on previous research in this field. Arguably, it is suggested that div...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current development of public information infrastructure in eastern USA. It proposes discussing lessons learned from four case studies of public information infrastructure projects to gain a better understanding of the challenges and implications of open access for broadband services and to provide a foundation for evaluating the advisability of mandatory open access policies.Design/methodology/approach – Four cases were selected for in‐depth study in the eastern area of the USA. Multiple data collection methods were used – in‐depth face‐to‐face and telephone interviews with people associated directly with the projects.Findings – The study recommends appropriate policy measures that can promote open access.Originality/value – The case studies shed light on how future public information infrastructures may evolve within the larger context of national and global information infrastructure.

Abstract: Purpose – This paper documents and examines the course of the Little‐Smart deployment in China by looking closely at the technology comparison, demand pull and supply push, as well as government regulations.Design/methodology/approach – It deploys an empirical approach and relies on second‐hand statistical data and some interviews.Findings – Findings suggest that the competitive advantages, including the price difference between low mobility services and cellular phone services, are the most significant drivers for the fast deployment and growth of low mobility services including PHS and Little‐Smart service, with the aid of other non‐economic factors. The changing landscape in China's wireless market, including possible significant drop of cellular phone service prices as well as overall business and regulatory dynamics, will create an uncertain future for the Little‐Smart service to move through its product life cycle in the next few years.Originality/value – Findings of this study could be significant ...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the necessary analyses to be made by incumbents and other players in the telecommunication sector regarding the change from PSTN voice services to voice over IP (VoIP). This change will in many circumstances be combined with the supply of TV via the broadband access connection (TVoIP). Thereby, triple play can be offered.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a description of trends for demand and supply for VoIP and TVoIP and analyses of consequences for market structure, prices and regulation.Findings – Price issues as well as strengths and weaknesses for the different players are presented. The introduction of VoIP and of TVoIP will also change the regulatory regime. Two‐way access interconnection problems will increase and the choice between the peering or termination payment needs to be made.Originality/value – The paper provides a framework allowing different kinds of player to assess strategies of whether, how and when they might enter th...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the golden rules for formulating future channel strategies in consumer‐facing organizations in both commercial and public sectors.Design/methodology/approach – The rules for future channel strategy come to light through practical experience and subsequent critical examination of leading practice in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, and media and entertainment, as well as utilities, retail, retail financial services, travel and the public sector.Findings – Current trends in channel strategy require a fundamental re‐think of the roles played at the consumer interface by people on one hand, and by machines on the other; leading to social and technological implications respectively. Successful channel strategies will direct the target mix of channels to the serve the most common reasons for contact with customers; taking into account the associated costs, customer segments, and frequency of contact. They will exploit simultaneous channel ...

Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes to describe a model and the results of a simulation exercise used to compare welfare outcomes for four governance regimes that might be employed for wireless services: two spectrum ownership regimes and two open commons regimes. Aims also to examine practical implications for policy makers.Design/methodology/approach – A formal economic model was constructed and computational techniques were employed to explore the welfare consequences of alternative applications of policy instruments.Findings – For the model examined, the market does as well as can be expected from government in setting interference tolerance for both types of regimes. However, commons regimes always generate excessive entry. While the theoretical optimum achievable by government in an ownership regime exceeds predicted welfare for a commons regime, for most model specifications the difference is not too large and an ownership regime can easily under‐perform a commons regime if imperfectly‐informed policy ma...

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyse structural changes within the Brazilian mobile telecommunications market. More particularly, the paper aims to highlight why the market was fragmented and identify drivers for its subsequent consolidation.Design/methodology/approach – Comparative case studies are used to understand change in the Brazilian mobile telecommunications market. The evolution of the market is described and key factors driving change identified.Findings – This paper shows how each of the leading mobile telecommunications groups in Brazil employed a different strategy, both for entering into the fragmented market and for participating in its subsequent consolidation. Attention is also drawn to the role of government in determining market structure, not least in terms of its rationale for initially fragmenting the market in order to encourage foreign investment.Originality/value – This paper provides a detailed analysis of structural change within the Brazilian mobile telecommunications market. ...

Abstract: Purpose – In the context of fears that the European information and communication technology (ICT) sector may be facing a period of crisis, this paper seeks to examine the changing role of national‐level policy initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of European ICT producers.Design/methodology/approach – The article is based upon a study of 176 national programs that are aimed specifically or in substantial part at ICT producer goods. This supply‐side focus provides a counterpoint to studies that concentrate on demand stimulation and aggregation measures, which generally make up a much larger share of national policy programs. A comparative analytical framework is used that takes account of the different composition and structure of the ICT industries in the EU member states.Findings – The key findings are that technology development programs continue to dominate but that the emphasis is shifting from ICT producer goods as such to the application and coordination of ICT products and services across a ...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to chart the development of the Nepalese telecommunications industry and assess how they may develop in the future.Design/methodology/approach – A country case study approach is adopted. The Nepalese context is outlined before the telecommunications industry is described and the main drivers of its development identified. The paper draws on interviews as well as secondary sources and models the relationship between the main drivers of the industry in Nepal.Findings – Although the Nepalese telecommunications industry has substantially changed since the modernisation process began in early 1980s, large parts of the country remain without access to telecommunication services.Research limitations/implications – Some data collection problems were encountered, but these were addressed through the use of multiple sources.Practical implications – The industry's future development will be shaped by the interplay between geography, resources and the CPN (Maoist) insurgency.Ori...

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the ways in which the regulation of the telecommunications sector has contributed to the economic development of the Romanian economy (as an example of a transition economy).Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a case study approach, considering Romanias's transition to a market economy, a description of the telecommunications market, and demand characteristics of the mobile market.Findings – The paper highlights the significant role that has been played by the mobile sector in terms of providing basic telephony services and in developing innovative services. The paper links the growth in the SME sector to the growth in the provision of mobile services. The paper also discusses the issue of a failed incumbent operator and how delays in embracing tariff reform in an increasing competitive environment have hindered the ability of the incumbent to compete and reform its activities.Research limitations/implications – The paper highlights the advantages...

Abstract: Purpose – New technologies provide new opportunities for radio spectrum allocation and frequency use. This article seeks to summarize papers that form a special issue on spectrum management, and to provide also some outlooks toward policy.Design/methodology/approach – This editorial gives an introduction to the selection of papers included in this special issue. The editorial lays out the basic questions guiding the debate about spectrum management and explains the contribution of the various papers to this debate.Findings – The editorial points out the high social, political and economic importance of spectrum management, and the need for a critical discussion of regulatory approaches is emphasised.Originality/value – The editorial summarizes papers for a special issue on spectrum management and will be of value to academics, business and policy makers.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers in the special issue on "Next generation mobile telecommunications networks challenges to the Nordic ICT industries". This introductory paper summarises the key points of each paper. The competitive environment of the Nordic ICT industries has changed and is far more complex now compared to the previous single-standard environment of 2G. The avenues for influencing competition between basic technology platforms and standards are much narrower and involve interaction with a much greater number of stakeholders and technologies on a global level. The six papers of this Special Issue highlight interesting viewpoints both on the possible future evolution of the mobile telecommunications industry in general, as well as on the past development and present challenges that the Nordic countries face.