| This dissertation tried to explore which factors affect the diffusion of IPTV services, especially in OECD countries where IPTV services are being provided. In order to fulfill this objective, major characteristics of the convergence trend were explored in various perspectives and a theoretical examination was carried out in regard to the economics of network-based services. Through the in-depth case study on Korea and other OECD member countries, and analysis of existing comparative studies, this dissertation has identified variables which are expected to have an impact on IPTV diffusion, and the relationship between these variables and IPTV diffusion was empirically analyzed.;Through the in-depth case study and regression analysis, very meaningful results were obtained regarding the relationship between IPTV diffusion and influential factors. In the multivariate research models, it was found that degree of urbanization and diffusion of satellite TV & cable TV were in a significant positive and negative relationship with IPTV diffusion, respectively. Furthermore, another interesting result was obtained where a higher level of digitalization of broadcasting led to a higher level of IPTV diffusion. Lastly, the broadband penetration rate, which serves as a basis for IPTV service, and IPTV diffusion showed a very strongly significant positive relationship.;This dissertation holds significance in that the process of IPTV diffusion was empirically analyzed using a panel dataset at the country level to draw useful results. It is expected that, if this study can explain the diffusion of IPTV in its early stage, the results will be very significant for both academia and the industry. Especially for those countries that are preparing to introduce or have already introduced IPTV services, and also for the countries where IPTV services were launched but are diffused slowly, the results will be able to provide meaningful implications. Furthermore, at a time when a variety of new convergence services are emerging and are expected to continue emerging in the future, the results of this study are expected to contribute to explaining the diffusion of such new services in their early stages of diffusion. |
