The objective of this paper is to evaluate the underlying paradigms of third generation (3G) mobile services. Given the success of second generation (2G) mobile communications systems and services, the third generation mobile networks and applications are faced with a lot of expectations such as providing ubiquitous access to online services via mobile terminals. However, 3G technologies and applications have encountered obstacles that have hindered both the technology development and user acceptance. This paper reviews existing literature related to 3G and develops a framework that presents the factors that contribute to the success of 3G. The findings provide insight into the development and marketing of 3G services.Keywords: 3G, User Acceptance, Mobile Communications, Telecommunications
INTRODUCTIONMany studies have investigated the success factors and user acceptance of the third generation (3G) mobile network and its services. In search of the so-called killer applications of 3G networks, researchers have often argued that there will be no killer application(s) as there were in 2G (e.g., Mallick, 2003: 7), or at least that future killer applications are simply unknown (Lehrer, 2004). However, this question should not be answered without an explicit definition of what is meant by killer applications and how the successful services will be evaluated. Generally speaking, a killer application can be defined as an application that surpasses all other competing applications. Moreover, it inspires users to purchase it and eventually corners the market. The question of how to evaluate killer applications is difficult. Whether it should be done in terms of transactional revenue, subscription or airtime remains an open question (e.g., Ralph, 2002). Looking back at the so-called killer applications of the 2G network, we can