Integrating Smartphone Talking Applications, Trust, Switching Cost and Customer Switching Behaviour in the Mobile Phone Market

Abstract

In recent years, free talking applications via smartphones and tablets have emerged. These applications are considered as a substitute service for phone calls. This study investigates the effect of providing smartphone talking applications (as a substitute service) upon the switching behaviour of mobile phone service users, from phone call to free talking applications call, in Egypt. Additionally, it investigates the impact of trust and switching cost on the strength and trend of this relationship, in order to develop a conceptual model in the mobile phone market in Egypt. Three hypotheses were tested and developed by using a sample of 353 Egyptian mobile phone users. Results found that providing smartphone talking applications (as a substitute service) has a significant impact upon the switching behaviour of mobile phone service users in all communication services, except urgent calls. The strength of this relationship is increased when the trust and the switching cost (as intervening or mediating variables) are available. Recommendations are made to help mobile phone companies in Egypt prevent customers from switching to competitors.