eAccess, Ltd.

Thomas R. Eisenmann; Masako   Egawa; Ariko  Ota

Case | HBS Case Collection | April 2005 (Revised March 2007)

eAccess, Ltd.

by Thomas R. Eisenmann, Masako Egawa and Ariko Ota

Abstract

The managers of eAccess, Japan's third largest provider of digital subscriber line (DSL) service, must decide whether to enter the mobile communications business. Japan's mobile services are among the world's most expensive, and incumbent carriers' profits are high. To introduce more competition, the government plans to license new mobile carriers in 2005. eAccess could realize marketing and operational synergies between its DSL and mobile businesses. Also, the company has a proven ability to influence government policy--a crucial concern for mobile entrants. However, launching a mobile carrier would require enormous capital expenditures and could expose eAccess to the risk of a price war, particularly if, as expected, its aggressive DSL rival, Softbank, also receives a mobile license.

Keywords: Technology Networks; Diversification; Policy; Business Startups; Mobile Technology; Communications Industry; Telecommunications Industry; Japan;

Format: Print

29 pages

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Citation:

Eisenmann, Thomas R., Masako Egawa, and Ariko Ota. "eAccess, Ltd." Harvard Business School Case 805-117, April 2005. (Revised March 2007.)

Explains how to identify and capitalize upon marketplace design opportunities. Defines markets and marketplaces and describes the basic functions of each. Discusses attributes (e.g., heterogeneity of participants' preferences and asymmetry in available information) that determine whether and how marketplaces create value. Explains common causes of market failure; presents a framework for designing marketplaces in response. Discusses tactics for building trust and liquidity when launching new marketplaces, as well as challenges encountered as marketplaces mature (e.g., congestion and disintermediation).

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eAccess, Ltd.

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