Mobile network sharing: a post-recession reality

Mobile network sharing - whether it is sharing tower sites or radio access network (RAN) components - is not a new concept in the industry. Despite the challenges associated, its merit as a cost-effective way to deploy or operate a mobile network has been evident for years. As operators look for ways to cut costs following the recession, they are showing increased interest in some form of network sharing, and as interest increases, the scale of announced network sharing deals is becoming larger. This report updates Ovum’s previous report on network sharing, and explores how the concept is gradually changing the structure of the industry.