Title:	MOBILE SERVICE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF 2/2.5G USERS’ BEHAVIOR AND IMPLICATIONS TO ROLL-OUT OF WIMAX NETWORK
Author(s):	Wee Kheng Tan , Hao-yang Li
ISBN:	978-972-8924-66-9
Editors:	Piet Kommers, Pedro Isaías and Nian-Shing Chen
Year:	2008
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	2G, 2.5G, WiMAX, mobile services, adoption
Type:	Full Paper
First Page:	169
Last Page:	176
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	In this research, we study the users’ adoption process and problems likely to be faced by WiMAX operators when the network and mobile services are rolled out. The WiMAX’s adoption process must not be viewed in isolation. This study considers the effect of other telecommunication networks on users’ adoption of WiMAX. With mobile phone penetration rate of 106% in Taiwan, WiMAX success would, to a large extent, involve getting existing mobile subscribers to switch over to WiMAX. We use 2/2.5G users as the subject of investigation because 2/2.5G remains popular and 5 out of 6 of 3G subscribers in Taiwan are not using 3G network to access Internet. Instead, they are using 3G as if it is 2G technology. This study highlights the importance of killer applications, the role of peer influence and perceived usefulness in adoption process. From the practitioner’s viewpoint, it highlights the point that people are viewing WiMAX as a tool for mobile Internet access. WiMAX operators need to create new killer applications to create the compelling reason for people to adopt WiMAX. The network and services should be priced attractively to get people to try out so that hopefully peer influence can assert itself to the benefit of WiMAX operators. A further advice for the WiMAX operators is they need to increase people’s awareness of what WiMAX can offer and its associated benefits. In conclusion, WiMAX operators are expected to face tough transitory process but there are ways to overcome the hurdles.
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