“How about an App Store?” Enablers and Constraints in Platform Strategies for Mobile Network Operators

This paper describes the platformisation of the mobile services domain, which in recent years has become a successful strategy for some hardware manufacturers and software companies. While pursuing diverging platform strategies and business models, they have succeeded in creating a demand for mobile software and content with end-users. Mobile network operators have lagged behind in this area and are now attempting to keep up with other initiatives. This paper explores the question which platform type an operator should adopt if he wants to play a meaningful role in the mobile service domain. It describes advantages and disadvantages of different platform types and lists some core competences an operator should have, or develop, in order to successful adopt a certain platform type.