No other technology in the history of this planet has proliferated as quickly to as many people as the mobile phone. Within only two decades of commercial deployment, worldwide mobile phone subscriber population (over 2.5 billion) and annual unit shipments (approaching one billion) have surpassed those of fixed-line phones, television sets, personal computers, and fixed-line internet connections. Yet, despite this explosive growth, few segments within the information technology industry have proven as challenging as wireless for new entrants (whether startups or industry giants such as Intel and Microsoft). In this course, students will analyze the role of regulatory, technological, economic, and market forces in shaping wireless industry structure, value chain, business and operating models, competitive dynamics, and barriers to entry. Special emphasis is placed on identifying new opportunities and understanding the challenges for startups and other new entrants. In the context of this course, wireless communications encompasses voice, data, and video services (including broadcasting) offered over terrestrial and satellite networks. Given its size and relative impact, well over half of the course will be devoted to cellular markets and technologies. There are no prerequisites beyond graduate student standing but material is drawn from a variety of disciplines including public policy, law, economics, finance, marketing, engineering, and physics.
The topics covered include:
Spectrum policy and regulation
Technology standards and infrastructure
Mobile handsets
Business and operating models for wireless network operators
Marketing and pricing of wireless services
Devices and applications
Cellular markets and competitive strategy
Cellular markets in developing countries
Broadcasting and content delivery
Broadband wireless access
Emerging applications and business models for wireless services
Course Syllabus (pdf)
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