Mobile Telephony - Cooperation and Value-Added are Key to Further Success

Deutsche Bank Research Economics Working Paper No. 42

11 Pages Posted: 27 May 2004

See all articles by Stefan Heng

Stefan Heng

Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg

Date Written: January 15, 2004

Abstract

The current problems in mobile telephony are leading critics to make overly pessimistic predictions that 3G - the third-generation mobile phone system - will never become profitable. However, the resulting calls not to introduce 3G and instead directly back alternative wireless technologies (e.g. WLAN) are a step too far. Ultimately, a profit-oriented service can only create significant value-added with a mix of both 3G and WLAN technologies. It is notable that no attractive broadband-dependent applications have emerged as yet. The typical user is only interested in the value-added the application provides, not the underlying wireless technology. Although mobile telephony remains one of the most dynamic areas of the economy, euphoria is misplaced. Advanced wireless technologies will on no account become profitable before the start of the next decade. But even that is not a given; this will challenge the entrepreneurial spirit of network operators, mobile terminal manufacturers and service providers alike.

Keywords: Communication technology, mobile telephony

JEL Classification: K2, L96, O14, O33

Suggested Citation

Heng, Stefan, Mobile Telephony - Cooperation and Value-Added are Key to Further Success (January 15, 2004). Deutsche Bank Research Economics Working Paper No. 42, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=550681 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.550681

Stefan Heng (Contact Author)

Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg ( email )

Coblitzallee 1
Mannheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg 68163
Germany
+49 621 4105 1183 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.mannheim.dhbw.de/profile/heng

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