Showing papers on "Telecom infrastructure sharing published in 2016"

The Role and Status of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in Africa

Abstract: The aim of this report is to provide guidance to governments, institutions, and development partners on how to approach the provision of advanced information and communication technology (ICT) services to the higher education and research community in Africa. The timing is appropriate as it coincides with a transformation in the telecom infrastructure and services on the continent as fiber optic connectivity, both undersea and on land, is expanding at a rapid pace. The premise of the report that the organization of ICT services and connectivity is best provided by a dedicated organization called the National Research and Education Network (NREN) is based on international best practice and the current plans of the stakeholders in the region. In the following pages, the nature of NRENs and the case for their establishment is outlined and the story of their development in Africa up to their current status is described in operation of NRENs are discussed as a prelude to a guidance note on how to go about establishing or strengthening an NREN, with recommendations to the government, the private sector, institutions, and development partners.

Impact of Disruptive Innovations on Mobile Telecom Industry in Lebanon

Abstract: The telecommunication industry is different from other industries in the basis of innovation rate. This industry continuously provides end users with new technological generations and disruptive technologies. Due to the complexity of the nature of the product served, telecommunication industry is an important case to study in order to explain the real reasons for the challenges facing telecom companies. Researching in this area will explain why some companies survive while others fail. The wide range served technology innovations is most likely to result in rapid mutation of consumers’ spending habits thus directly influencing the mobile phone companies. The aim of this is to test the reliability of innovations and its impact on companies’ profitability. For that purpose, a survey with 200 end users and 20 employees from two telecom providers (“Alfa, and “Touch”) was conducted to investigate various disruptive and conventional means and their impact on the financial performance of telecom industry. The results show that most of the revenue of telecom industry comes from usage of data while the industry is lacking for competition, and quality services while charging high tariffs for customers. Currently customers are migrating to data, therefore performing a pressure on the industry to improve its services. To conclude, network operators need to decide what to they want to sacrifice and how far they want to go to reach targeted results.

How Service Experience Leads to Brand Loyalty: Perspective from the Telecom Sector in Ghana

Abstract: IntroductionOrganizations operating in emerging competitive markets like Ghana must strive for service perfection consciously to win customers and to remain competitive. This can be achieved through improved service quality, as noted by leading proponents like Gronroos (2001), Kotler and Keller (2006), and Lovelock and Wirtz (2007). Corporate competitiveness, especially in current times, is anchored around service quality, customer loyalty and customer satisfaction (Parasuraman et al., 1988; Rust and Oliver, 1994; Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003; and Voss et al., 2004). However, service quality is intuitively evaluated through customers' perceived perspective measured through experience (Gronroos, 1982; and Nimako et al., 2012).The telecom sector (like other service sectors) plays a significant role in improving the living standards of people around the world by facilitating information flow among individuals and businesses, especially in the current information age. In the case of the telecom sector, good quality telecom network and strong consumer-oriented strategy are essential to win and retain customers. Ghana, currently classified as a middle income economy (Ghana Statistical Service, 2010), experienced serious economic instability during the 1970s and 1980s, compelling the country to subscribe to International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's economic reforms (Dzogbenuku, 2013). This was done with the aim of diversifying the economy by reducing state control of firms, since most state-owned enterprises were described as non-performing assets, including the state-run Postal and Telecom organization. In 1994, the Government of Ghana deregulated the telecom sector and allowed new private multi-national entrants into the country, which led to fierce competition among the service providers (Addy-Nayo, 2001; Frempong and Henten, 2004; Ghana NCA, 2010; and Nimako et al., 2012).One of the resultant effects was the advent of Vodafone, a multinational, venturing into Ghana to takeover Ghana Telecom. Ghana Telecom, which was initially managed by Malaysian Telecommunications Company in the early 1990s, provided fixed telephone lines for homes and businesses, where hitherto customers had to queue in front of post offices to access telephone service. To increase customer base, the regulator-National Communications Authority (NCA)-licensed Milicom Ghana (now Tigo and Spacefon MTN) to provide mobile telecommunication service.The new private telecom firms, including Vodafone, pioneered rapid distribution of the new innovation (mobile phone) to Ghanaians between 2001 and 2007. These firms relied on creative integrative marketing communications and competitive pricing with market oriented distribution strategies to increase the adoption of mobile phones by Ghanaians (Dzogbenuku, 2013). Currently, the sector seems very competitive, with three additional players-Airtel, Expresso and Glo-providing similar voice and data services supported by heavy promotional budgets. This study aims at investigating if service quality significantly affects customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.Literature ReviewDistinct Characteristics of ServicesA service is any activity or benefit that one party can offer to another, which is essentially intangible and does not result in transfer of ownership (Kotler et al., 2008). Service being an economic activity, creates value for customers and also for the service organization. Services are also distinct from physical products as they (i.e., services) are not standardized. As a result, customers of services can evaluate them only after consuming them, based on experience. According to Doyle and Stern (2006), services have five distinctive characteristics which differentiate them from tangible products. These are-intangibility, inseparability, heterogeneity, perishability and intransferability.IntangibilityServices (unlike physical goods) cannot be seen, touched, tasted or smelled (Hill, 1999; and Miller, 2000). …

Brand Switching Behavior in Indian Wireless Telecom Service Market

Abstract: Brand switching is a common problem for all the companies. Brand switching became a topic of discussion in Wireless Telecom Services Industry in India after allowing Number Portability by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). TRAI allowed the Number Portability in 2010 in one state (Haryana) and finally launched it all over India in January 2011. Thus, the topic of the brand switching behavior of the consumers assumed greater significance for the wireless telecom industry. This study examines brand-switching attitude, information sources for brand switching, factors influencing brand switching and brand switching behavior. The study used primary data collected during August–November 2015. A survey was conducted among three consumer groups namely Businesspersons, Employees and Professionals divided equally among the three income groups and between males and females equally using stratified sampling technique. To have a national representation of the sample, six metropolitan cities of India (Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad) were chosen to collect the data

Earthquake preparedness strategies for telecom backbone with integration of early warning systems and optical WDM networks

Abstract: Earthquakes cause huge data loss when a major ground motion strikes backbone telecom infrastructure However, necessary actions can be taken if an earthquake early warning system is integrated to optical WDM networks, which is the typical architecture of backbone telecom networks While earthquake early warning systems are used to provide warnings to railway transportation, nuclear power plants, or semiconductor factories, they have been not used to provide warnings to telecom networks However, many connections can be reprovisioned to avoid data loss in case of a disaster if a warning is provided seconds before a major earthquake In this study, we explore three different strategies for such situation; 1) Extreme approach that reprovisions all connections in danger with full or degraded bandwidth, 2) relax approach that reprovisions only critical connections, and 3) careful approach that reprovisions some or all connections based on the alarm level We compare these strategies for a case study, an earthquake on San Andreas Fault Line We conduct numerical examples over a 24-node US-wide topology where the connections have heterogeneous bandwidth and availability requirements The numerical examples show that careful approach provides a better solution than extreme and relax approaches, especially for heavy network loads in terms of expected penalty in case of an earthquake

Internet governance capacity building in post-authoritarian contexts. Telecom reform and human rights in Myanmar

Abstract: Myanmar is undergoing profound socio-political transitions, including rapid developments of its telecommunication infrastructures and related policy frameworks that involves both infrastructural and governance challenges. By focusing on the various stages of the connectivity building plan over the first 3 years since its launch in 2012, this paper explores how Myanmar is developing its internet policy capacity building, in the framework of the broader transnational internet governance debate. In particular, this paper addresses whether and how the new national telecom infrastructure and the related governance framework has been designed and implemented in respect of digital rights, notably freedom of expression and right of privacy. By process tracing the initiatives shaping the on-going connectivity building plan, the paper discusses the role of actors involved in this process, including civil society organizations, private companies, and foreign governments; whether we are witnessing any bottom up forms of internet governance practices; opportunities and eventual threats for citizens related to the implementation this connectivity plan; and finally, it tests and proposes a novel empirically driven theoretical framework aiming at expanding our understanding on the diffusion of global internet governance norms in developing connectivity in post-authoritarian contexts.

Community Mining in Multi-relational and Heterogeneous Telecom Network

Abstract: Extracting the customers who share similar interests that are connected via set of relationships in Telecom social network is a challenging scenario. This paper addresses an efficient method of building multi-relational and heterogeneous social network for telecom customers and identifying social structures present in the telecommunication network. The telecom social network is constructed by considering multiple attributes and different services provided by the telecom industry. The telecom network is constructed by using adjacency matrix for all the customers. This approach deals with finding the social position of the customer by different measures like centrality, betweenness, density and closeness. The analysis on the centrality measure are made to identify the central and most influential customers in the network, to provide customized services for retention of that customer. This paper also describes the extraction of dynamic patterns, future structures which aids in retention of customer and managing the market requirement more efficiently.

Implementing shared service center in telecom environment as more efficient and more cost effective business model

Abstract: Seeking for more efficient and more cost effective business model is a constant issue for managers in IT industry, especially in companies like big telecom providers that are incumbents. This paper is dealing with one of those new business models, implementation of Technology Shared Service Center in one of the biggest telecom providers in Europe. To have such an approach, and even more to have it within several national companies, is a huge organizational change. Advancing telecom technology is an additional motivation for moving to new business models. Therefore, implementation of the Shared Service Center in telecom, or any IT business, could be both organizational and technological challenge. Besides the challenges faced while implementing Technology Shared Service Centers, this document is describing the main benefits of this model with special focus on telecom environment.

Telecom Sector Reform in India

Abstract: Telecommunication services are globally recognised as one of the driving forces for overall economic development of a nation. They are also one of the prime support services needed for rapid growth and modernization of various sectors of the economy. Globalisation, privatisation and liberalisation accelerated all round reform in the telecom sector of India. India have adopted a gradual approach to telecom sector reform through selective privatization and managed competition in different segments of the telecom market. The results of reform in telecommunications have been much better and this is an important factor underlying India's success in information technology. Indian telecommunication sector is come out as one of the key sectors that have put the economy on a revival path. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) benefits will spread among all and will promote innovation, entrepreneurship and growth. India will emerge as a leading player in the virtual world by having 700 million internet users of the 4.7 billion global users by 2025.

Research on Cost Allocation Model of Telecom Infrastructure Co-construction Based on Value Shapley Algorithm

Abstract: Under the circumstance that China Tower unified construction of 4G telecommunications infrastructure, how do the three operators fairly and reasonably share the telecommunications infrastructure cost is the key problem of Chinese telecom industry at present, and also is a hot issue for scholars. To alleviate this problem, after comparing the advantages and disadvantages of current methods of cost allocation, this paper try to introduce risk correction factor into Shapley Value algorithm, and propose a cost allocation model of telecom infrastructure co-construction based on the fixed Shapley Value algorithm. The validity and practicability of the method have been proved by the test of the actual calculation. With the help of this model, it is able to provide a more effective strategy for the cost allocation problem in the construction of China's telecom infrastructure.

공유경제 서비스 사용의 영향요인에 대한 실증 연구

Abstract: In the recent years, the phenomenon of sharing economy has emerged in the marketplace. Businesses leveraging the sharing economy have flourished. Companies such as AirBnB and Uber develop scalable platforms empowering individuals to distribute and share access to excess capacity of accommodation and transportation with one another. Due to the rise of business utilizing the sharing economy concept, it is important to better understand the motivational factors that drive and hinder sharing economy services in the marketplace. Based on responses from 585 adult users, drivers and deterrents affecting intention to use of sharing economy services were identified. Factors that deter the use of sharing economy services include lack of trust, awareness of low quality, and social risk. The motivations that drive the use of sharing economy services include the societal aspects of sustainability and community, as well as economic benefits. Based on the empirical evidence, this study suggests several propositions for future studies and implications for sharing economy businesses on how to manage collaborative consumption.

Community Based Networks and 5G

Abstract: The deployment of previous wireless standards has provided more benefits for urban dwellers than rural dwellers. 5G deployment may not be different. This paper identifies that Community Based Networks as carriers that deserve recognition as potential 5G providers may change this. The argument is hinged on a research aimed at understanding how and why Community Based Networks deploy telecom and Broadband infrastructure. The study was a qualitative study carried out inductively using Grounded Theory. Six cases were investigated. Two Community Based Network Mobilization models were identified. The findings indicate that 5G connectivity can be extended to rural areas by these networks, via heterogenous networks. Hence the delivery of 5G data rates delivery via Wireless WAN in rural areas can be achieved by utilizing the causal factors of the identified models for Community Based Networks.

Big Data Development Strategy and Value Mining for Telecom Operators

Abstract: Liquidation of big data assets is an issue of common concern for domestic and foreign telecom operators alike. By analyzing sources and characteristics of telecom operators' data, from both internal and external perspectives, this paper presented data assets value mining and application modes in multiple scenes, offering a comprehensive big data development strategy for telecom operators, and proposed specifi c implementation path as well.

Deregulation and Its Effects on Telecom Companies’ Financial Performance

Abstract: This paper discusses the effects of telecom deregulation on the financial performance of listed telecom companies, particularly Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Globe Telecom, Inc. (Globe). For purposes of comparing financial performance, the years covered in the study were grouped into three: 1970-1986 representing the period when PLDT was a virtual monopoly, 1987-1995 representing the period when the telecom sector was being deregulated, and 1996-2013 representing the deregulated period. The study shows how PLDT struggled after deregulation and how it fared afterwards. It also shows Globe’s volatility in its operating performance after deregulation. The study also shows how deregulation can improve the offering of telecom services based on the increases in subscribers and keep the surviving players profitable.

Methods and System for Wireless Telecom Fracking Shared Economy

Abstract: A server computing device may be configured to register a parcel with a component (e.g., another server, etc.) in a dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) system, generate a telecom resource right unit or information structure, and use the generated telecom resource right unit or information structure (e.g., in conjunction with components in the DSA system) to allocate the identified telecommunication resource for access and use by wireless devices that subscribe to a telecommunication network registered with the DSA system. The server computing device may also receive information identifying an amount of the telecommunication resource used within the registered parcel by the wireless devices of the telecommunication network, and use the generated telecom resource right unit or information structure to update a payment account associated with the parcel owner based on the amount of the telecommunication resource used within the registered parcel by the wireless devices that subscribe to the telecommunication network.

The evaluation on resource configuration of telecom assets

Abstract: Telecom regulatory departments issued many policies to keep the healthy development of telecom assets market, while the governments pay little attention to the resource configuration of telecom assets, and some of the existing researches have not got verified in academia. In this paper, firstly it puts forward the evaluation model for resource configuration of telecom assets, and indicators of cause and outcome are considered in this model; secondly, the data of provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China is collected related to the evaluation indicators of resource configuration in telecom assets; and then PCA method is developed to take empirical researches on configuration evaluation of telecom assets. Thus, the overall resource configuration of telecom assets can be got quantitatively. At last, some important conclusions are obtained.

Valuation Techniques in Telecommunication Industry – An Alternative Approach based on Operating Cash Flow and Number of Subscribers

Abstract: The Indian economy has witnessed tremendous growth after liberalization. The valuation of telecom companies has gained specific importance after 2010. The government has received revenue of more than Rs. 1.06 lac crores through 3G/BWA spectrum auction from telecom operators. The operators raised debt to finance acquisition of spectrum in the above auction. Due to this almost all the operators had to raise debt and now it is impacting their profits, cash flow and valuation. Apart from this the telecom operators are highly regulated. There are various issues due to which the valuation of the telecom companies prior to 2010 (i.e. before auction) and post 2010 shows a huge difference. The valuation of telecom operators is very crucial and has invited special attention in the recent past. This article attempts to evaluate some special aspects of telecom valuation like valuation based on subscriber, per subscriber EV, PE ratios (EV ratios) etc. which may not be used while valuing other types of industries. This paper evaluates existing valuation techniques, assesses limitations of these techniques in the light of 3G auction. The valuation of the telecom companies under the conventional techniques may not depict fair results, considering the fact that the telecom sector witnessed an increase in number of subscribers, increase in revenue however a reduction in profits & valuation and heavy cost of debt involved in acquiring spectrum and upgrading technology during 2009 to 2015. The paper attempts to find out an alternative basis to arrive at valuation based upon operating cash flows and the number of subscribers.

Factors Influencing Mobile Telecom Service Access and Usage in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: The study sought to investigate the factors influencing mobile telecom services access and usage in Cape Coast metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana by addressing the following question: What are the main factors that influence the access and usage of mobile telephone services? Primary data were collected from 200 subscribers and non-subscribers of mobile telecom services. The logit model was employed to identify the factors influencing mobile telecommunication services access. The results of the study showed that the probability that an individual will subscribe to a mobile telecom is dependent on income, price of mobile service, employment and education. It is recommended that a mobile number portability system should be introduced in the mobile telecom industry to reduce the lock-in effect currently prevailing in the industry. Also, efforts should be made to provide employment opportunities to individuals to enable them use more mobile telecom services.

Market Competition after the Telecom Reor-ganization in China

Abstract: China telecom used the resources rationally and minimized vicious competition to do a new round of restructuring and make the formation of three telecom operators which have full business capacity and strong competitive – China mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, in order to break the equilibrium of the original telecom market in 2008. This article aims to take advantage of the knowledge of game theory to build a model and analyze the monopolistic competition and market pattern of the three telecom operators in the aspect of mobile communication services and fixed-line business before and after the restructuring in order to compare the market changes before and after the reorganization of the telecommunications, explain the role that telecom reorganization play on the market rationalization competition , and reach conclusion of the recommendations on the development of the telecom market.

User driven service innovations in telecom industry: Indian experience

Abstract: Technological advancement has been the main driver for development of telecom services. Convergence of telecom and internet played a significant role in growth of user driven services in terms of variety, number and revenue. Open access platforms and technological capabilities have empowered small entrepreneurs in India to develop services collaboratively benefiting to society. A new ecosystem has emerged (shift from value chain to value web) around telecom operators with multiple stakeholders—content and application providers, technology enablers and platform providers. This new ecosystem with user participation has potential to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth. The primary objective of the study is to understand nature of interplay between technology development, technological innovation and service innovation. The secondary objective to study how needs of users are imbibed into technology development. We also investigate the role of technology management and its implication on telecom operators in changing face of digital economy. Qualitative case based research method is used. Cases are selected from one of the key Indian telecom operator. The findings of the study provide interesting insights to effectively manage new technologies to create user driven services.

Telecom Players, Regulatory Bodies, International Organizations and Regional Telecom Statistics: Global Overview

Abstract: Technology and regulation are key drivers for telecom growth in emerging economies. Technology facilitates improved services and creates market conducive for growth. The evolution of technology decreases costs and facilitates rapid growth phase that appeals to many industry players. With an increasing number of players, each striving for larger market shares, regulation is critical and necessary to promote growth and harmony in the sector. Regulations ensure that fair practices are adopted by telecom operators in their efforts to increase and maintain market shares.

Supply Chain and Operational Performance in India's Telecom Sector

Abstract: Telecom sector plays an important role in infrastructure development of a country and its economy. The study is set out to review supply chain operations and operational performance of organisations in Indian telecom industry. Major constituents of the sector are connected with intricate matrix and engagements are governed by multiple contracts and governing guidelines, making supply chain of the telecom sector unique in itself. Study has sought to assess and to find out the way supply chain performance impact organisation’s operational performance. This study has reviewed major constituents of telecom sector supply chain and engagement matrix among these players. Study has attempted to review impact of supply chain operations on operational performance parameters of project performance, financial performance, sales and marketing performance and customer satisfaction.

Functional and service architecture of next generation network: BH telecom case study

Abstract: Nowadays, the competitive market in telecommunications field which is characterized by the alterations in technology, as well as business, together with convergence and regulatory pressures is challenging for telecom operators. In order to achieve, maintain, and improve their market position, telecom operators need to redefine their business and capabilities beyond traditional services, and to address associated issues with the purpose of achieving new revenues and differentiation as well. As a starting point, they need to rationalize the use of entities present in its telecommunication system. Therefore, this survey paper provides an overview of these entities according to the functional requirements and architecture of the next generation networks, as well as service offer classification based on relevant international standards on the example of BH Telecom, Joint Stock Company, Sarajevo.

Interconnection longitudinal differential protection using digital communications infrastructure WAN

Abstract: The expansion tendencies of microelectronics, communications and information technology have led-in what it concerns the power field to the appearing a lot of opportunities concerning the IEDs (Intelligent Electronically Devices) LAN communication and interconnection, involved in the technological flux. The paper contain, approach the technical issues related to reliable interconnection and communication of LCDPR (Line Current Differential Protection Relays — F87/21/67N) using the WAN communication infrastructure, without taking in consideration the classical method of “relays direct connection”. The main disadvantage of “direct connection” is inefficient management of WAN and of optical fiber resources by using dedicated fibers (dedicated communication links). The FO can carry information up to G/Tbps, so, to dedicate FO cores only to inter-transfer of some particularly telegrams (kbps) between relays isn't a good practice. In that situation we will propose and practical prove that non classical interconnection between relays it is possible and reliable using logical channels defined in WAN infrastructure. Solution can create premises for a new strategy regarding protection philosophy and to streamline and optimize the Telecom infrastructure.

Some Thoughts about Australian Telecoms

Abstract: Australia is facing numerous challenges in its attempt to upgrade its telecom infrastructure. This paper summarises the little-known and even less understood history of telecom development in the USA. The authors believe this may provide useful ideas for Australian telecom policy and development that have not yet been considered.

Telecom Networks and Innovation

Abstract: Telecom Industry is buzzing with huge growth of mobile users not only because of voice telephony but with increased pace of adoption of social media applications such as Twitter, Skype, Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp.