Report: Infrastructure sharing, though risky, creates new opportunities, allowing mobile network operators to focus on developing and selling services

[prnewswire] Infrastructure sharing, though risky, will create new opportunities, allowing mobile network operators to focus on developing and selling services and content.

"Sharing and outsourcing networks is not new in the wireless business," notes John Blau, research analyst with Unstrung Insider and author of the report. "In the early days of 3G network rollouts, sharing towers and some electronics became a hot topic as operators, mostly in Europe, sought ways to save money after spending billions on spectrum licenses."

Network sharing has become more important in operators' overall business model, but it can be a challenge, Blau says. "While it is technically possible for operators to share any amount of equipment, implementing the integration can be complex," he notes. But the challenges may be worth it: "The move away from running networks will create a wealth of opportunity for companies that can help mobile operators squeeze more out of their network assets through infrastructure sharing and see partners to take over and manage their networks."

Key findings of Mobile Infrastructure: Keep, Share, Outsource? Operators Ask, Vendors Act include:

Equipment vendors are securing deals for managed services and outsourcing, and are positioning themselves as network service companies.

Regulators in emerging and developing markets now see real benefits in active and, increasingly, passive infrastructure sharing and encourage cooperation.

The threat of Internet companies such as Google is a factor for mobile network operators that plan to unload their networks and focus on services.

The U.S. may not embrace the idea of sharing as network operators still see their networks as a unique selling point.


Mobile Infrastructure: Keep, Share, Outsource? Operators Ask, Vendors Act is available as part of an annual single-user subscription (12 monthly issues) to Unstrung Insider, priced at $1,595. Individual reports are available for $900 (single-user license).

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