Scaling the wall: Factors influencing the conditions for market entry in the mobile data market

Annemijn F. van Gorp, Carleen F. Maitland, Brian H. Cameron

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Advances in mobile technology have created a fertile ground for the development of new and innovative information and entertainment services. However, the road from development to commercialization of these services is one that is currently under construction. In this research, we seek to understand the relationships between developers of information services and the powerful mobile network operators that dominate the industry, which in turn shed light on the forces shaping the diversity of information sources on the mobile Internet. To understand these relationships, we have undertaken a research project in which we follow the attempts of a small firm to commercialize their information service in the United States. The project combines knowledge of industry structures with the first-hand market entry experience of a small firm. Results derived from the application of an institutional economics theoretical lens indicate that informal institutions, technology, and market power have combined to create the context for mobile services provision, which can be characterized as a highly fragmented market. This market fragmentation, together with technology, market power, and informal institutions, defines the choices application developers must make and indirectly determines the developers who will and will not be able to enter the market.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDesigning Ubiquitous Information Environments
Subtitle of host publicationSocio-Technical Issues and Challenges - IFIP TC8 WG 8.2 International Working Conference
PublisherSpringer New York LLC
Pages277-291
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9780387275604
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
EventIFIP TC8 WG 8.2 International Working Conference on Designing Ubiquitous Information Environments: Socio-Technical Issues and Challenges - Cleveland, OH, United States
Duration: Aug 1 2005Aug 3 2005

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Volume185
ISSN (Print)1868-4238

Other

OtherIFIP TC8 WG 8.2 International Working Conference on Designing Ubiquitous Information Environments: Socio-Technical Issues and Challenges
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCleveland, OH
Period8/1/058/3/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Information Systems
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Information Systems and Management

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