Analysis of mobile internet usage among early-adopters

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify several measures that reflect the diffusion of thernmobile internet.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The measurements are implemented with a newly developedrnhandset-based mobile service research platform that provides a novel way to accurately identify trendsrntaking place in mobile service usage. These measures are demonstrated in a case example comparingrnFinnish early-adopter smartphone users between 2005 and 2006 (500 and 695 users).rnFindings - The results indicate that the mobile internet has not yet emerged on a large scale in Finland.rnOn the contrary operators have slightly increased their power, potentially because handset bundlingrnwith mobile subscriptions is now allowed in Finland.rnResearch limitations/implications - The measurement framework can be further utilized in bothrncross-sectional and longitudinal study settings in evaluating the emergence of the mobile internet. Nornother empirical research method provides the accuracy and scope of usage measurements done withrnthe handset-based research platform. However, the shortcomings of the new method should bernrealized.rnPractical implications - The paper suggests that the mobile internet has not emerged widely, even inrnearly-adopter user segments.rnOriginality/value - This paper contributes to the measurement of mobile internet service usage. Mobilerninternet services are currently emerging in early-adopter user segments. These services might shakernthe dynamics of the mobile services industry by introducing different kinds of technical innovation and business logic.