Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Lehenkari, J. & Miettinen, R. (2002). Standardization work in the construction of a large technological system. The case of Nordic Mobile Telephone System. Telecommunication Policy, 26, 109-127.

In this paper,we analyse the standardisation and building of the Nordic mobile telephone system (NMT) as practical design work.The NMT was designed and constructed by four Nordic public telephone operators (PTTs)in the years 1969 –1982.In Europe,the NMT was a significant phase in the development of mobile telecommunications both from the perspective of operators,manufacturers,and standard-setting processes.We analyse how the concept of the NMT and the system itself evolved,what kinds of critical problems were confronted,and how they were dealt within design work.We put a special emphasis on how
division of labour developed among the PTTs,and how telecom manufacturers were involved in the design work.Finally,we discuss the effect of the NMT on the Nordic mobile telephone industry,and how unique the NMT system building was.r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.All rights reserved.