Platform ecosystems in Mobile for Development

Abstract

The use of next generation mobile internet is increasing in developing countries and provide end-users in developing countries with access to worldwide mobile services. The consequences for operators are declining revenues per user because of the increased use of mobile internet and decreased use of voice and text services. The declining revenues force mobile network operators in developing countries to search for other revenue streams than mobile services like voice, text and data. Software platform ecosystems are dynamic networks of actors on top of a software and seem to be successful for platform owners like Google and Apple to create new revenue streams. Service providers and software developers in Suriname were interviewed to show how value is currently created in Suriname. Analysis of the interviews shows that there are a number shortcomings of the market actors on the mobile market to create value with a platform ecosystem for mobile network operators. Identification and analysis of shortcomings of actors for a software platform will contribute to use platform theories in Mobile for Development and also contribute to advise mobile network operators to overcome barriers of a software platform ecosystem.