Operators around the world are building the next and 5th generation of mobile networks. 5G is clearly an evolution, and commercial products are combinations of 4G, 5G, NB-LTE and other technologies. While 5G promises a new technological revolution, there are major regulatory challenges to deploy networks and new business models.
Strand Consult’s survey of the past 25 years of building and operating mobile networks shows that conditions for mobile operators have gotten worse, not better, for operators. The process to erect a single mobile mast/antenna can take between 12-36 months and cost €150,000 – €350,000. Policymakers and local government want to copy-paste the tower paradigm to small cell networks, a development which would kill 5G in the cradle.
While operators are stepping up their investments in spectrum, infrastructure, and technology, consumers increasingly complain about mobile coverage. Demand for data has exploded but subscriber revenues have not kept pace. As such, operators need to take concerted steps to optimize the expected benefits and costs when they deploy 5G. Operators need to learn how to rollout infrastructure, to find partners for business models, and to address the regulatory challenges that impede its business.
Europe lacks some €300 billion in investment to achieve next generation broadband goals. An accumulation of misguided EU telecom regulation has sent capital to more favorable investment regions, like the…
Why do you have such a big interest in the way companies charge for traffic on the internet and what you call “fair cost recovery”? CEO John Strand talks with…
Telecommunications and other technology companies like Vodafone, Google and TDC can impact the environment. It’s no secret that telecom infrastructure and data centers consume significant energy. At the same time,…
The pandemic has heightened the importance of braodband with policymakers and increased the urgency of closing the digital divide, particularly in the US as FCC data shows that 22% of…
The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has proven that telecom infrastructure is critical. Telecommunications networks delivered service during the lockdown, enabling many to continue to work, learn, shop, and access healthcare. Policymakers…
Operators around the world are building the next and 5th generation of mobile networks. 5G is clearly an evolution, and commercial products are combinations of 4G, 5G, NB-LTE and other…
The media has much focus on 5G, creating hype around high speeds, low latency and new revenue for mobile operators. It’s as if operators just build a 5G network, and…
Since the announcement by T-Mobile/Sprint, the media has exploded with predictable stories that the merger is bad for competition. These are stories we hear every time has been consolidation in…
Strand Consult has for many years focused on providing consumers with good mobile network experiences. In May 2013 we released the research note Telecom regulators in 8 countries launch war…
Strand Consult is pleased to announce that its program “How to improve mobile coverage and regulation” is one of three services shortlisted in Telecoms.com’s Awards for services to telecom operators…
Around the world a number of mobile operators outsource their infrastructure (masts, towers etc) to tower companies with a classic “sale and lease back” model. It makes sense for a…
In the last three years, Strand Consult implemented a process in Denmark with the aim of ensuring mobile operators better conditions when they build and operate mobile networks. When the…
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