통신서비스시장의 유무선 융합과 경쟁: 무선랜과 이동통신을 중심으로

Abstract

Fixed-mobile convergence in a voice telephony market took the form of 'convergence in complement', but later it developed into the form of 'convergence in substitute'. This paper analyzes the future pattern of fixedmobile convergence in the market for data communications focusing our attention on the case of wireless LAN and cellular networks. The first phase of wireless LAN service, namely wireless LAN service alone, is likely to be positioned in complementary relationship with cellular services because of their difference in the size of enduser terminal, in coverage and in the service characteristics. The second phase of wireless LAN service, that is, wireless LAN capable of roaming with cellular network, is believed to substitute cellular traffic, if the service is deployed mainly on to the dual handset-type terminal. Notebook or PDA type wireless LAN service is not likely to substitute cellular traffic. The key point of success for handset type wireless LAN, however, is the timing of introduction of the dual handsets, since the delayed introduction will increase the switching costs of users hampering the expansion of services. In conclusion, the future form of fixed-mobile convergence-whether it is complement or substitute-is critically dependent upon the timing of introduction of dual handsets that determines the size of user switching costs.