Standardization and Business Models for Platform Competition: The Case of Mobile Television

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between standards and business models, illustrating the conceptual linkage with reference to developments in the mobile communications industry. A case study of the DVB-H standard for mobile television shows that regardless of institutional orientation or process, the most important standardization strategy for equipment and service providers is to create platforms that are open to the development of complementary products and services while at the same time preserving the proprietary edge necessary to ensure lock-in effects. The case yields strong reasons to consider that standards now play a significant role in establishing business models for electronic service environments and that business modelling considerations now influence many of the technical decisions.