Umts Broadband Mobile Technology Rolled Out: Confounding Many Expectations

Abstract

Contrary to the negative public perception, third-generation (3G) broadband mobile telecommunication, aka UMTS, has become reality. UMTS networks have been rolled out above all in Central Europe. The take-up of UMTS differs sharply from one country to the next, though. The large differences are due not only to market-related factors and differing marketing strategies, but also to political intervention that distorts the market. At present, content providers, handset makers and telcos are working feverishly to produce UMTS-based supplementary offerings. For the sluggish demand for mobile broadband services still harbours a big risk for the entire telecommunications sector.

Keywords: UMTS, mobile telephony, 3G, broadband, telecommunications, Europe

JEL Classification: K2, L96, O14, O33