Performance measurement for new mobile data services during generation upgrading period: a case of China’s telecom industry

For the global telecom operators, mobile data services have gradually taken the part of traditional voice services to become the main revenue growth point. However, during the upgrading period of new generation networks (such as 5G), new mobile data services are still at the stage of exploration; the network capabilities and the application scenarios are unmatured. In this phase, it is incomplete and misleading to simply measure the performance of new services from one dimension, such as data traffic or revenue, and the measurement should be dynamically changed according to the development of the new services. Therefore, telecom operators want to improve the existing performance measurement from the aspect of integrity and dynamics. In this paper, we propose mobile-data-service development index (MDDI) and build a quantitative model to dynamic measure the overall performance of mobile data services. To approach a fuller understanding, we creatively bring investment indicators and networks reliability indicators into performance indicators system and discuss the relationships among subindices and the selection of outcome criteria in MDDI. In the part of empirical research, we use the model to analyze the dynamic characteristics of a new mobile data service in China and summarize the development strategies of every stage. The findings can also give guidelines for new services of 5G and other new generation networks in the future.

Performance Measurement for New Mobile Data Services During Generation Upgrading Period: A Case of China's Telecom Industry

For the global telecom operators, mobile data services have gradually taken the part of traditional voice services to become the main revenue growth point. However, during the upgrading period of new generation networks (Such as 5G), new mobile data services are still at the stage of exploration, the network capabilities and the application scenarios are unmatured. In this phase, it is incomplete and misleading to simply measure the performance of new services from one dimension, such as data traffic or revenue, and the measurement should be dynamically changed according to the development of the new services. Therefore, telecom operators want to improve the existing performance measurement from the aspect of integrity and dynamics. In this paper, we propose Mobile-data-service Development Index (MDDI), and build a quantitative model to dynamic measure the overall performance of mobile data services. To approach a fuller understanding, we creatively bring investment indicators and networks reliability indicators into performance indicators system, and discuss the relationships among subindices and the selection of outcome criteria in MDDI. In the part of empirical research, we use the model to analyze the dynamic characteristics of a new mobile data service in China, and summarize the development strategies of every stage. The findings can also give guidelines for new services of 5G and other new generation networks in the future.

Reducing temptation to switch mobile data service providers over time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a dedication-constraint-temptation (DCT) model to study the factors influencing customers’ loyalty to mobile data service (MDS) providers. The DCT model explicitly explores the important yet overlooked role of alternative attractiveness (the temptation-based mechanism) as a mediator and the boundary condition of their interrelationships (e.g. relationship length). The model also integrates new and established antecedents of customer-based brand equity (C-BBE) (the dedication-based mechanism) and switching barriers (the constraint-based mechanism). Design/methodology/approach The proposed model is tested using partial least squares–structural equation modeling with a sample of 331 MDS users. Findings The results indicate that C-BBE has an indirect effect on customer loyalty (via alternative attractiveness) in both relationship groups (shorter- vs longer-term). However, the indirect effect of switching barriers on customer loyalty only exists in longer established relationships. The results from multi-group analysis reveal that the effect of switching barriers on alternative attractiveness significantly differs across groups. In addition, customer value anticipation and procedural switching costs appear to be the most salient antecedents of C-BBE and switching barriers for both groups. Originality/value This study makes an incremental contribution by incorporating the temptation-based mechanism as a mediator and relationship length as a moderator into the dedication-constraint model. This study also extends the information systems and brand management literatures by demonstrating the strategic importance of customer value anticipation in the information and communication technology brand equity-building.

Determinants of Customers’ Brand Choice and Continuance Intentions with Mobile Data Service Provider: The Role of Past Experience

The prevalence of mobile data services has intensified competition and structured the market for mobile telecommunication services, resulting in decreased revenue particularly from voices services and high churn rate. Mobile service providers therefore seek ways to increase revenue by attracting and retaining mobile data users. This study investigates the determinants of customers’ brand choice and continuance intentions with mobile service providers in the context of mobile data service. This study also captures the impact of past experience on behavioural outcomes. Data were collected from 304 customers of mobile data service firms and analysed using regression analyses. Results indicate that mobile service quality, pricing structure and promotion, but not brand image, affect brand choice, whereas continuance intentions are affected by the mobile service quality, brand image and price. Customers’ past experience relates significantly and negatively to brand choice but not continuance intention. The contribution and implication of the study are discussed.