mobile infrastructure sharing
Infrastructure sharing among Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is a strategic approach that allows multiple operators to utilize the same physical and network infrastructure. This practice aims to reduce the costs associated with network deployment and operation, particularly in areas where the return on investment for a single operator might not justify the infrastructure costs. Here are some of the expected benefits:
- Cost Reduction: Both passive and active sharing significantly reduce the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) for MNOs, leading to lower prices for consumers and higher profitability for operators.
- Faster Deployment: Sharing infrastructure allows for quicker network rollouts, improving service availability and quality, especially in underserved areas.
- Environmental Benefits: Infrastructure sharing can lessen the environmental footprint of mobile networks by reducing the number of physical sites and utilizing resources more efficiently.
- Enhanced Competition: Infrastructure sharing can facilitate a more competitive market by lowering the cost of entry and operation for new and existing operators[1][2][3].
Infrastructure sharing can be categorized into passive and active sharing.
Passive Infrastructure Sharing
Passive infrastructure sharing involves multiple operators sharing physical space and non-active elements of the infrastructure, such as buildings, masts, towers, power supply systems, and air conditioning units. This type of sharing is aimed at reducing the environmental impact and lowering the capital and operational expenditures associated with building and maintaining multiple separate sites for each operator[1][2][3].
Active Infrastructure Sharing
Active infrastructure sharing allows operators to share elements of the active layer of the mobile network, including antennas, base stations, and potentially elements of the core network. This type of sharing is more complex and involves deeper integration between the operators' networks but can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. It also enables faster deployment of new technologies and services, such as 5G, by sharing the substantial costs associated with these rollouts[1][2][3].
Challenges
Infrastructure sharing presents challenges. Regulatory approval is often required, and there can be concerns about competition and market dominance. Technical integration can be complex, requiring significant coordination between operators. Moreover, operators must balance cooperation with maintaining their competitive advantage[1][2][3].
Citations:
[2] https://digitalregulation.org/the-infrastructure-sharing-imperative/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecom_infrastructure_sharing
[4] https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/opb/itujnl/S-ITUJNL-JFETF.V1I1-2020-P10-PDF-E.pdf
[5] https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/wiki/infrastructure-sharing-an-overview/
[7] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4472768
[8] https://www.customtruck.com/blog/what-is-telecom-infrastructure-sharing/