Title: Why do they stay with 2G mobile communications services in the 5G era?

Authors: Dokyung Kim; Seongcheol Kim

Addresses: Center for ICT and Society, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea ' School of Media and Communication, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Abstract: Termination of existing mobile communications service (MCS) is a critical issue to secure the spectrum for providing next generation network and services. This study aims to examine the factors affecting consumers' inertia toward the current 2G MCS, and the effect of inertia on the intentions to upgrade their MCS. The model was empirically validated by a survey among actual users of the 2G MCS in Korea. The empirical data were analysed using structural equation modelling approach. Results of this study showed that consumers' inertia toward the 2G MCS significantly reduced their intentions to upgrade services. Learning costs and the uncertainty of switching costs were found to increase inertia. Only perceived enjoyment among the four types of switching benefits significantly reduced consumers' inertia. Further, the influence of the innovativeness of ICT on certain switching costs and switching benefits was confirmed.

Keywords: 2G mobile communications service; intention to upgrade service; inertia; switching costs; switching benefits; ICT innovativeness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2022.125918

International Journal of Mobile Communications, 2022 Vol.20 No.6, pp.659 - 679

Received: 11 Sep 2020
Accepted: 01 Feb 2021
Published online: 04 Oct 2022 *

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