Mobile network sharing and ownership models

Abstract

Mobile communications and broadband have become more prominent in driving the global economic growth. However, the next generation networks are characterized by densification of networks and more stringent requirements increasing the cost burden of the industry. In this context, the mobile industry needs to rethink the traditional mobile network infrastructure ownership model and consider mixed ownership. This study first identifies factors that make mobile network sharing effective by empirical analysis on effects of mobile network sharing on the financial performance. Second, cases and theories on public private partnership and sharing of infrastructure across industries are consolidated to deduce recommendations. Lastly, the technical evaluation of next generation mobile networks for enabling network infrastructure ownership is provided to identify technical bottlenecks in realizing new ownership models.