Elaboration of NMT and GSM standards : from idea to market

Abstract

The focus of this study is on elaboration of NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone) and GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) standards. It seeks to understand the standard-making process from a system's philosophy to market entry.The specific objectives of the study are 1) to reconstruct the original ideas of innovation, 2) to reconstruct standardization processes of NMT and GSM systems, 3) to reconstruct interplay and impact of key players during standardization process, and 4) to explain success of NMT and GSM standards. Analyzing processes of two successful mobile communication standard-making aims to reveal what were the specific Nordic standardization practices and principles, and what were the most important issues that were adopted to standardization of following generations. The role of Nordic countries is not just focused on direct impact on standardization process, but also to indirect outcomes of practices of other countries.