Conference article

Product Service Systems and the Base of the Pyramid: A Telecommunications Perspective

Henrik Printz Moe
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Product Design, Trondheim, Norway

Casper Boks
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Product Design, Trondheim, Norway

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Published in: Proceedings of the 2nd CIRP IPS2 Conference 2010; 14-15 April; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 77:5, p. 35-42

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Published: 2012-10-11

ISBN: 978-91-7393-381-0

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

The paper draws on an emerging discussion about how mobile telecommunication may positively impact development in emerging economies from a Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) perspective. Secondly; Product Service Systems (PSS) literature suggests this industry can contribute to reduced environmental impacts focusing on user value and stakeholder involvement. PSS and BoP literature is reviewed in the context of the “missed calls” phenomenon in developing countries. These are often intentional and used for free communication using pre-negotiated codes; providing a burden for telecom providers in terms of lost income and diminished infrastructure capacity. Based upon research at a main telecom provider; the review is input for a discussion on the most important requirements for developing alternative triple bottom line service solutions which will benefit all stakeholders involved.

Keywords

Product Service Systems; Base-of-the-Pyramid; telecom industry; missed calls; service design

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