Diffusion of Broadband Mobile Services in Korea: The Role of Standards and Its Impact on Diffusion of Complex Technology System

Heedong Yang, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea, Youngjin Yoo, Case Western Reserve University, Kalle Lyytinen, Case Western Reserve University, and Joong-Ho Ahn, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

8/20/2008
(Original Publish Date: 10/1/2003)

Rapid developments in computing and communication technology have made broadband Internet service over the wireless phone networks possible. This so-called 3G (third generation) mobile services promise to usher us into an era of a seamless marriage between Internet data and mobile phone services. However, despite the much-hyped fanfare in the media, the actual diffusion of 3G services has been much slow and disappointing in most countries. South Korea has been one of one of few countries that have experienced rapid development and diffusion of 3G and the less-advanced 2.5G (two and half generation) mobile services. Given the rapid and ubiquitous penetration into everyday use in Korea, broadband mobile services in Korea offers an unique opportunity for us to examine how complex technology gets accepted in a larger scale.