A framework for mobile content business

Abstract

Faced with increasing competition on the revenue channels of voice and SMS, mobile network operators (MNOs) logically need to evaluate alternative sources of revenue. One ofthe emerging sources of revenue is mobile content. Whereas MNO have been offering mobile content, it has usually been done as a basic revenue share agreement between MNO and a Premium Rate Service Provider (PRSP) in an exclusive relationship. This study comparatively reviews 5 frameworks by using the framework of STOF (Services, Technology, Organization and Finance) as the base framework. Comparison is done against the Zachman framework, Telemanagement Forum (TMF) Frameworx®, Open Group Architecture Framework TOGAF® and the Government of India Mobile Governance framework. An updated STOF framework is proposed and tested by collecting responses from an MNO operating in India and 17 countries in Africa as well as 2 Kenyan MNOs. The revised framework can be applied in the development and running of a mobile content business value-chain that draws upon academic research and is validated by business practicalities.