Showing papers in "Info in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a theoretically grounded framework for designing and analysing business models for ICT services and systems. But they do not provide a theoretical analysis of the models.
Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to provide a theoretically grounded framework for designing and analysing business models for (mobile) information communication technology (ICT) services and systems. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the most topical literature on business modelling, as well as general strategic management, industrial economics and network economics literature, it also constructs a new integrated framework. Findings - The study finds that business model design is interpreted as the (re)configuration of control parameters on the one hand, and value parameters on the other hand within a particular innovation system. Originality/value - The paper is informed by a wide range of theories and approaches and proposes an improved and generally applicable framework.
192 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the link between business model decisions and customer value creation for mobile services and reveal that there is a categorization of mobile services according to extrinsic and intrinsic effects on end-user values.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the link between business model decisions and customer value creation for mobile services.Design/methodology/approach – An empirical survey was conducted of 54 service provider professionals across six mobile services.Findings – The paper reveals that there is a categorization of mobile services according to extrinsic and intrinsic effects on end‐user values. Mobile specificity is found to be the most influential business model option. The research model was found to be adequate for empirical studies.Research limitations/implications – This is an explorative study.Practical implications – The findings of this study can be used by service providers of mobile services to choose options that improve the customer value of a service.Originality/value – This paper is a new economic study of the link between a business model and performance based on end‐user values. It is of value for service providers and researchers.
73 citations
69 citations
TL;DR: The main idea of the paper was just to demonstrate the type of measurements and studies that can be done with the developed research platform and the main research limitations are the size of the sample and lack of clear business implications.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the viablity of a handset‐based research platform in measuring mobile service and application usage through various descriptive empirical studies.Design/methodology/approach – A handset‐based research platform was used in measuring mobile usage in an international panel consisting of more than 500 mobile subscribers. The panel took place in 2005‐2006.Findings – The research paper finds various interesting data points which cannot be derived with any other method. In addition, the paper finds that there are significant differences in certain mobile service and application use cases between different demographic groups.Research limitations/implications – The main research limitations are the size of the sample and lack of clear business implications. The main idea of the paper was just to demonstrate the type of measurements and studies that can be done with the developed research platform.Practical implications – 3G technology drives packet data usage ...
64 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the contribution that information communication technology (ICT) can make in development and education, covering different application fields, and find that there are significant opportunities for improving the benefits of integrating ICTs within development programs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the contribution that information communication technology (ICT) can make in development and education, covering different application fields.Design/methodology/approach – This work looks into the practical application of ICTs covering the application possibilities, the limitations and the methodological application. Information has been taken from multiple real experiences.Findings – The paper finds that there are significant opportunities for improving the benefits of integrating ICTs within development programs. Limitations should be accepted at present while a holistic approach should be taken to consider the real local needs.Originality/value – ICTs should be taken into account within multiple development programs as a tool to improve their efficiency. Limitations are covered in the paper, as well as recommendations about the deployment of ICT infrastructures with other development targets.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effect of mobile number portability on mobile subscribers in Korea by focusing on subscribers' perception and behavior related to MNP and found that while MNP lowered switching costs considerably, a significant level of switching costs still remains despite MNP.
Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the effect of mobile number portability (MNP) on mobile subscribers in Korea by focusing on subscribers' perception and behavior related to MNP.Design/methodology/approach – The study collected data on subscribers who had changed mobile carriers between the beginning of MNP (July 2003) and December 2005. The data were analyzed by statistical analyses such as ANOVA and logistic regression.Findings – Statistical analyses in this study reveal that subscribers perceive the switching barrier still as high, discouraging subscribers from switching carriers. While MNP lowered switching costs considerably, a significant level of switching costs still remains despite MNP. Carriers develop new subscriber lock‐in strategies that make them stay with current carriers. In addition, there are hidden costs other than MNP that should burden subscribers with number portaling.Research limitations/implications – The findings imply that the MNP has directly affected the industries to a...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study approach is implemented and tested in two studies on digital content platforms, and policy recommendations related to mobile and fixed content platforms are included in the case study.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explain and demonstrate how business model frameworks can be used to understand market developments and to assess the role of policy in (multi‐sided) ICT markets.Design/methodology/approach – The research approach in the paper builds on integrated business model frameworks, which cover (much) more than the financial decisions of one single firm. A case study approach is implemented and tested in two studies on digital content platforms.Findings – Relevant policy instruments are identified and explored. To some extent, the findings are complementary or contradictory to the findings of existing studies on digital content platforms. The paper includes policy recommendations related to mobile and fixed content platforms.Research limitations/implications – Limitations of the study are due to the explorative and qualitative approach, and are to be complemented by other approaches. Policy makers and researchers can use the approach to analyse digital content platform developments and...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the degree to which a general non-discrimination rule would be possible or useful, and compare these practices to older debates about common carriage, concluding that many kinds of discrimination are now at work, often secretly.
Abstract: Purpose – This article considers internet system development with reference to what is currently termed the “network neutrality” debate; its aim is to develop improved ways of reasoning about the role of the public interest in networked communications infrastructures.Design/methodology/approach – To assess the degree to which a general non‐discrimination rule would be possible or useful, this article this article reviews documented examples of differential service by internet service providers that already occur. It then compares these practices to older debates about common carriage.Findings – Most of the debate about network neutrality focuses on a few kinds of content discrimination, while there are many more varieties at work. While the focus of the debate has been legal, the problem is often technological. Many kinds of discrimination are now at work, often secretly.Practical implications – Rather than one grand, neutral rule for a neutral internet, there is a need for a normative framework that can ...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make a critical review of the introduction of first third generation (3G) mobile services and the evolution of market structure and look for reasons for the poor market performance of 3G.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make a critical review of the introduction of first third generation (3G) mobile services and the evolution of market structure. It aims to look for reasons for the poor market performance of 3G.Design/methodology/approach – The study analyses market data from 17 Western European countries and tests propositions with statistical methods.Findings – The paper finds that there is evidence in support of to the “overbidding” hypothesis, i.e. license fees determined in auctions were higher than ultimately compatible with the originally envisaged market structure based on the n+1 rule. 3G markets therefore are more concentrated than 2G markets. The correct design of market structure is crucial for accelerating the speed of introduction of 3G services: the speed increases with the number of licenses granted, but decreases with the number of idle licenses. Auctions are not superior to other methods with respect to speed of innovation.Originality/value – This is the first s...
26 citations
TL;DR: It is found that RFID technology has tremendous potential to ease life and to improve the human condition, still, further innovation and industrial deployment of this technology should be done in parallel with a careful exploration of all related aspects.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the burgeoning area of radio‐frequency identification (RFID), which uses radio waves to automatically identify and track individual items.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by outlining the benefits and utility of RFID technology, through an examination of its technological characteristics, current applications, state of the market and future trends. The paper focuses on consumer applications for RFID, such as sports, lifestyle and leisure, and personal safety. It then explores some of the important implications of the technology and concludes with considerations of a socio‐ethical nature, including concerns related to individual privacy and human development.Findings – The paper finds that RFID technology has tremendous potential to ease life and to improve the human condition. Still, further innovation and industrial deployment of this technology should be done in parallel with a careful exploration of all related aspects. No one can deny that the expansi...
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify global best practices in the regulation of quality of service on cellular wireless networks and present an identification of issues from the literature and an analysis of examples of activities of regulators around the world.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to identify global best practice in the regulation of quality of service on cellular wireless networks.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an identification of issues from the literature and an analysis of examples of activities of regulators around the world.Findings – The paper finds that there is a wide range of approaches that are not easily comparable and do not necessarily fit with policy goals.Research limitations/implications – Mostly, the surveys are of basic voice parameters, with little on data or value services.Practical implications – The paper calls for better understanding of the information gaps of consumers and how third parties, including regulators, can play a part, in particular in the move toward 3G and 3.5G.Originality/value – The paper reviews a very wide range of materials and presents in a framework that helps understand the information gaps of consumers and how third parties, including regulators, can play a part, in particular i...
TL;DR: The case studies of Mobile-ICT illustrate that regardless of institutional orientation or process, the most important standardization strategy for equipment and service providers is to create platforms that are open to the development of complementary products and services while at the same time preserving the proprietary edge necessary to ensure lock-in effects.
Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to explore the question: 'What is the relationship between standards and business models?' and illustrate the conceptual linkage with reference to developments in the mobile communications industry. Design/methodology/approach - A succinct overview of literature on standardization, business models and platform markets in the paper leads to a hypothesis on the relationship between present-day standardization processes and business model design. This is then explored by means of three short case studies. Findings - The case studies of Mobile-ICT illustrate that regardless of institutional orientation or process, the most important standardization strategy for equipment and service providers is to create platforms that are open to the development of complementary products and services while at the same time preserving the proprietary edge necessary to ensure lock-in effects. All three cases yielded strong reasons to doubt whether many of the traditional advantages of standardization (interoperability, economies of scale, positive externalities, etc.) will be achieved equitably for all of the stakeholders. Originality/value - This is an exploratory paper that aims to shed light on present-day concerns about "failure" in the standardisation paradigm.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined universal service as a policy objective in post-WTO accession Chinese telecommunications and analyzed the challenges of the Chinese telecommunications system in defining and promoting public service ethos in a country that is marked by staggering disparities.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine “universal service” as a policy objective in post‐WTO accession Chinese telecommunications and analyze the challenges of the Chinese telecommunications system in defining and promoting public service ethos in a country that is marked by staggering disparities.Design/methodology/approach – A range of media, academic, industry, and policy discourses on “universal service” and a broader notion of “public service,” together with recent government efforts in promoting “universal service,” are examined and assessed to develop an analysis of the uneven nature of China's telecommunications development and reveal the dynamics of “universal service” policy formation, as well as the impetuses and impediments in developing any notion of public service telecommunications in China.Findings – Public service issues in China need to be situated within a continuing process of uneven development which comprises dimensions other than residential telephone access. Although the ultimate policy goal appears...
TL;DR: The paper concludes that a hybrid model combining a meta-level CPC with operator-deployed channels might provide the best mix of technical and strategic control for operators, and value for users.
Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to give a short overview of European Union policy trends towards more flexible forms of spectrum management. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a business modelling analysis, scenario construction, policy analysis and roadmapping. It argues that both flexible spectrum management and the concept of reconfigurability do not eliminate the need for a number of centralised controlling entities, and even introduce a number of new ones, performing regulatory, commercial and technical functions of a diverse nature. One of the most prominent control entities, the Cognitive Pilot Channel (CPC), is presented, and three different configurations of the CPC are outlined. Subsequently, the potential impact of different CPC configurations on business models for wireless services making use of such a channel is explored. Findings - The paper concludes that a hybrid model combining a meta-level CPC with operator-deployed channels might provide the best mix of technical and strategic control for operators, and value for users. Research limitations/implications - The study undertaken here isexploratory in nature since, for example, no exact estimations of cost and revenue, or harmonisation feasibility and roadmaps can be made at this time. Originality/value - The CPC is a recent and potentially crucial concept which is not yet standardised or implemented and for which no business modelling analysis has been performed yet.
TL;DR: The paper highlights the need to measure national performance against global best practice and for NRAs to share experiences and finds that results have been disappointing, apparently arising from complex regulatory processes and sub‐optimal implementation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the experiences with the implementation of mobile number portability (MNP).Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a structured review of global experiences from markets where MNP has been introduced.Findings – The paper finds that results have been disappointing, apparently arising from complex regulatory processes and sub‐optimal implementation.Research limitations/implications – The paper has a lack of sufficient analysis of the effects on competition.Practical implications – The paper highlights the need to measure national performance against global best practice and for NRAs to share experiences.Originality/value – The paper is much broader in scope than previously published work in the area of MNP.
TL;DR: Investigating the prospects for internet protocol TV from the social, economic and regulatory perspective to gain a better understanding of how IPTV will evolve and stabilize in next generation network environments implies that IPTV has been through internally‐driven change, but from now on it will likely be driven by external factors.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate the prospects for internet protocol TV (IPTV) from the social, economic and regulatory perspective to gain a better understanding of how IPTV will evolve and stabilize in next generation network environments.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from multiple data collection methods. The analysis is based on theoretical frameworks derived from socio‐technical theories and web of stakeholder analyses.Findings – From the socio‐technical analysis, the development of IPTV implies that IPTV has been through internally‐driven change (more or less technology‐driven and regulatory‐constrained), but from now on it will likely be driven by external factors (market and user). The web of stakeholder analysis implies that the further development of IPTV in Korea is likely to comprise multiple stages, predicated by several significant events: the deployment of Broadband Convergence Network and FTTH, the resolving of content issues, estab...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify two different payment models for mobile environments: carrier centric models and payment service provider (PSP)centric models, and argue that combining different models or introducing intermediaries yields solutions that satisfy the requirements of Next Generation MSPs for offering a compelling value proposition to their users.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to provide a first overview of important implications of payment models for next‐generation mobile service platforms (NextGen MSPs).Design/methodology/approach – The starting point of the paper is an existing set of mobile payment models. These models are modified and expanded on in order to be able to highlight implications for NextGen MSPs.Findings – The paper identifies two different types of payment models for mobile environments: carrier centric models and payment service provider (PSP)‐centric models. Instantiations of both categories are already being applied, although not necessarily always in the mobile environment. Both types come with a number of advantages as well as disadvantages. This paper argues that combining different models or introducing intermediaries yields solutions that satisfy the requirements of NextGen MSPs for offering a compelling value proposition to their users.Originality/value – This paper is the first to analyse the suitability of existing mobile...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that public service policies for telecommunications gradually became dominant, as widespread opposition to AT&T's corporate power gained political traction beginning in the 1930s.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this article is to show that US public‐service telecommunications, developing through a complex historical process, both engendered and depended on policies that compelled major changes in system development.Design/methodology/approach – The article contributes to the historiography of US telecommunications, and draws on archival sources and secondary scholarship.Findings – The article shows that public service policies for telecommunications gradually became dominant, as widespread opposition to AT&T's corporate power gained political traction beginning in the 1930s. Although substantially limited, public service policies came to encompass expansion of service, labor relations, and corporate patents.Originality/value – The article demonstrates that political conflict and crisis, not consensus, drove policy formation. It also shows that public service principles went far beyond the preferences of AT&T executives.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify concerns developing in regard to current approaches used to define, deliver and fund universal service obligations (USOs) for telecommunications due to developments in competition, new technology, eg wireless, convergence and next generation networks (NGN), including voice over internet protocol (VoIP) to stimulate thinking about the policies required to deliver USOs in an IP-enabled NGN environment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify concerns developing in regard to current approaches used to define, deliver and fund universal service obligations (USOs) for telecommunications due to developments in competition, new technology, eg wireless, convergence and next generation networks (NGN), including voice over internet protocol (VoIP) To stimulate thinking about the policies required to deliver USOs in an IP‐enabled NGN environmentDesign/methodology/approach – The paper examines the nature and scope of USOs, including the concept of “functional internet access” to address questions about whether in an NGN environment: present USOs are sustainable; USOs need to change; and whether USOs should include access to broadband? The paper also examines alternative/complementary sources of funding for USOsFindings – With falling revenue (due to increasing competition and declining prices) occurring alongside strong demand for funds to deploy NGN, telecommunications operators are less able to
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the historical construction of the US broadcast television closed-captioning system as a case study of debates over public service broadcasting during the late twentieth century.
Abstract: Purpose – To explore the historical construction of the US broadcast television closed‐captioning system as a case study of debates over “public service broadcasting” during the late twentieth century.Design/methodology/approach – Historical.Findings – Neither the corporate voluntarism promoted by the FCC in the 1970s nor the “public‐private partnership” of the National Captioning Institute (NCI) in the 1980s proved able to sustain a closed‐captioning system; instead, a progressive round of re‐regulation on both the demand side (universal decoder distribution) and the supply side (mandatory program captioning) was necessary to bring the promise of broadcast equality to all deaf and hard‐of‐hearing (D/HOH) citizens.Originality/value of paper – The decades‐long legal, technological, and institutional battle to define the “public interest” responsibilities of broadcasters toward non‐hearing viewers was fraught with contradiction and compromise.
TL;DR: It is established in the paper that Tele2's initial success was closely linked to its virtual operator status, but also that it has increasingly tended to behave like an infrastructure‐based operator as the competitive landscape has evolved.
Abstract: Purpose – Although there has been some discussion of virtual operations, especially those of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), in the literature, there have been very few full‐scale case studies. This case study aims to examine the strategy of a very large virtual operator, Tele2.Design/methodology/approach – The procedure of the study is to examine the meaning of the term “virtual operator”, to see how this can be applied over time to Tele2 and hence to determine whether Tele2's success has been dependent on using a virtual operator model.Findings – It is established in the paper that Tele2's initial success was closely linked to its virtual operator status, but also that it has increasingly tended to behave like an infrastructure‐based operator as the competitive landscape has evolved.Research limitations/implications – There are strictly no other operators directly comparable with Tele2.Originality/value – Case studies in the field of virtual operations are scarce and limited in their scope. Th...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the issue of whether the concept of public service telecommunications has any relevance to the future, taking a forward looking and global perspective, and provide a global and forward-looking view on the value of the public interest in telecommunications.
Abstract: Purpose – Taking a forward looking and global perspective, the paper seeks to address the issue of whether the concept of public service telecommunications has any relevance to the future.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on published sources to look at the history of public service telecommunications, mainly in the USA, reviews the progress towards universal service across the world and explores the likely future developments in the telecommunications landscape over the next few decades.Findings – The concept of public service telecommunications helped to stabilise the telecommunications industry in its infancy but ultimately stifled access to telecommunications services at affordable prices. However, the future will still need to be nurtured so that telecommunications are provided genuinely in a way that serves the public interest.Originality/value – Provides a global and forward‐looking view on the value of the public interest in telecommunications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the impact of the internet as an emerging video distribution platform and analyze the corresponding emerging economic and legal issues, and identify issues that accompany the growth of the Internet as both a complement and a competitor to existing distribution platforms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the internet as an emerging video distribution platform and to analyze the corresponding emerging economic and legal issues.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the historical evolution of the business model for the television business and, using a layered model of communications, identifies issues that accompany the growth of the internet as both a complement and a competitor to existing distribution platforms.Findings – As video is increasingly distributed using the internet, a new business model is developing that possesses characteristics such as, unbundled content, irrelevance of geographic exclusivity, irrelevance of structured time or structured release, and new business combinations, alliances, and ventures.Practical implications – Public policy makers throughout the world are faced with the need to update, replace, and/or revise existing regulations that govern the relationships between and among traditional video distri...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the influence of private corporations in the tripartite structure of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Telecommunications Standardization, Radiocommunication, and Telecommunications Development.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the influence of private corporations in the tripartite structure of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Telecommunications Standardization, Radiocommunication, and Telecommunications Development.Design/methodology/approach – This research employs institutional ethnography in conjunction with the case study.Findings – The paper finds that, in the standardization sector, power has been effectively transferred from nation states to the private corporate sector since the approval process now enables standards to be approved by members of the study group that developed them, which is essentially the private sector. In the radiocommunication sector, the private sector continues to conduct much of the requisite technical work, but national governments are ultimately the decision makers and, further, it is difficult to distinguish between treaty and non‐treaty work. In the development sector, the ITU seeks to create an enabling environment for private investment...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the application of public service principles in the press, telecommunication and radio and identify struggles to develop alternatives that address limitations in state and commercially provided public services across a wide range of communication and cultural practices.
Abstract: Purpose – In reviewing the application of public service principles in the press, telecommunication and radio historically, the paper aims to identify struggles to develop alternatives that address limitations in state and commercially provided public services across a wide range of communication and cultural practices.Design/methodology/approach – Taking a political economy of communication approach, a different view of public service is adopted as one that understands service as facilitating the making of communication and culture. The paper uses published and archival sources to identify such examples in Canadian history.Findings – The paper suggests that the concept of public service has been restricted to thinking in a sender‐receiver model based on consumption and applied accordingly to different media which has limited potentials for democratic communication.Originality/value – The paper provides a historical and reflexive view on public service in Canada across media and suggests that public servi...
TL;DR: The dispute between the end-to-end internet architecture versus managed telecommunications architectures, in particular IMS, for the migration towards a next-generation mobile system is reframed as a number of design trade-offs to be made on various levels.
Abstract: Purpose - The paper aims to discuss the business issues surrounding the choice between the end-to-end internet architecture, in particular peer-to-peer networks, versus managed telecommunications architectures, in particular IMS, for the migration towards a next-generation mobile system. Design/methodology/approach - The paper organises the arguments available in the literature and technical field along four critical business design dimensions, providing a balanced overview of both sides of the argument. Findings - The paper discriminates between weak and strong arguments on both sides, and introduces a number of recommendations towards actors that will implement IMS. Research limitations/implications - The arguments collected from the literature and industry are not exhaustive but selected on their relevancy for business repercussions. Originality/value - While most position papers on IMS or P2P are written from an opinionated perspective, this paper offers a trade-off view of both side's advantages and disadvantages. It reframes the dispute as a number of design trade-offs to be made on various levels.
TL;DR: In this paper, the contribution made by telecommunications in India by the state and civil society to public service is assessed and the findings suggest that public service telecommunication is a relatively new concept in the annals of Indian telecommunications and that a deregulated environment along with the Right to Information movement holds significant hope for making public service telecommunications a real alternative.
Abstract: Purpose – In assessing the contribution made by telecommunications in India by the state and civil society to public service, this article aims to identify the state's initial reluctance to recognise telecommunications provision as a basic need as against the robust tradition of public service aligned to the postal services and finds hope in the renewal of public service telecommunications via the Right to Information movement.Design/methodology/approach – This article follows a history of telecommunications approach that is conversant with the political economy tradition. It uses archival sources, personal correspondence, and published information as its primary material.Findings – The findings suggest that public service telecommunication is a relatively “new” concept in the annals of Indian telecommunications and that a de‐regulated environment along with the Right to Information movement holds significant hope for making public service telecommunications a real alternative.Originality/value – This art...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse the constantly changing structure of the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector over a period of many years, covering the period 25 March 2005 to 24 March 2006, and find that prior to 2002, the TMT sector spent two years in the doldrums and the overall trend continued to be broadly negative during the ensuing year, partly driven by the implosions at the likes of WorldCom.
Abstract: Purpose – This article is the seventh in a series that aims to analyse the constantly changing structure of the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector. It seeks to covers the period 25 March 2005 to 24 March 2006.Design/methodology/approach – The article is designed so as to contain at its core the creation of a series of databases in tabular form that can be used to analyse structural trends over a period of many years.Findings – Prior to March 2002, the TMT sector spent two years in the doldrums, and the overall trend continued to be broadly negative during the ensuing year, partly driven by the implosions at the likes of WorldCom. The following two years saw companies coming to terms with a radically different environment. The year commencing March 2005 witnessed a sharp upsurge in restructuring activity somewhat reminiscent of the late 1990s.Originality/value – Empirical research based on current data is very scarce in the public domain. This series of articles makes a major contributio...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify negative economic incentives such as scale economies and revenue losses that will motivate carriers to delay implementation or increase switching costs for users through fees, long-term contracts, and quality deterioration of telecommunication services.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to identify policy strategies for the implementation of number portability in Central America. It attempts to determine why carriers have generally been opposed to the implementation of this service and what regulators in the region can do to allow for the provision of this service.Design/methodology/approach – Using secondary data this paper provides an analysis of the economic and regulatory circumstances prevailing in Central America that will affect their number portability decisions.Findings – The conceptual piece of this paper identifies the negative economic incentives such as scale economies and revenue losses that will motivate carriers to delay implementation or increase switching costs for users through fees, long‐term contracts, and quality deterioration of telecommunication services.Research limitations/implications – Given the economic circumstances of the telecommunications sector in Central America, it is recommended that the region begin with national...