Opportunities for a Tablet PC or Smartphone-Based Gateway Devices in Telecommunication System

Abstract

The widespread use of Tablet PCs and smartphones by the general public has spurred a move to adapt the technologies to the delivery of Telecommunication services. In this study, we compare user experiences between two gateway device user groups?dedicated terminal device users and mobile (Tablet PC, Smartphone) device users -- in the context of a diabetes disease management program. According to our results, not only was the mobile device group’s rates for user satisfaction and service acceptance generally superior, they resulted in 80% cost savings when compared to the dedicated terminal group. However, it also was identified that smartphones were less convenient for older users due to unfamiliarity with technology and a heightened sensitivity to cost.