Mobile network sharing trends in developing and developed mobile markets (regulations and market forces): A comparison between selected Latin American markets and Sweden

The present document has the objective of analyzing the impact of several factors that are part of mobile telecom markets into the feasibility of sharing resources as a strategy for operators to deploy their networks in a cost-efficient manner and cope with the ever increasing amount of data traffic. These factors include the situation of the operators with their distribution of market shares, the nature of national regulatory authorities, and their lines of action. The study comprises the description and analysis of three markets: Ecuador, Chile, and Sweden, as they pose very different scenarios and are useful to prove the contrast present in two different regions of the world. The results of this research work show that in order to ease the adoption of network sharing in a market, a state of fair competition must be encouraged, reflected by a good distribution of market shares between operators. This is for the most part a task of the regulators, as they must make sure to award resources to operators in an equitable manner, as well as to identify the right moments to introduce new actors into the market, as it is observed in the cases of Chile and Sweden. Additionally, the regulators must have a liberal approach in their decisions, by permitting both active and passive network sharing, as this study shows that this is not the case in Chile and Ecuador so far

Towards Affordable Provisioning Strategies for Local Mobile Services in Dense Urban Areas : A Techno-economic Study

The future mobile communication networks are expected to cope with growing local usage patterns especially in dense urban areas at more affordable deployment and operation expenses. Beyond leveraging small cell architectures and advanced radio access technologies; more radio spectrum are expected to be required to achieve the desired techno-economic targets. Therefore, the research activity has been directed towards discussing the benefits and needs for more flexible and local spectrum authorization schemes. This thesis work is meant to be a contribution to this ongoing discussion from a techno-economic perspective.   In chapter three, the engineering value of the different flexible authorization options are evaluated from the perspective of established mobile network operators using the opportunity cost approach. The main results in chapter three indicate the economic incentives to deploy more small cells based on flexible spectrum authorization options are subject to the potential saving in the deployment and operation costs. Nonetheless; high engineering value can be anticipated when the density of small cells is equal or larger than the active mobile subscribers’ density.   While in chapter four, the possible local business models around different flexible authorization options are investigated from the perspective of emerging actors with limited or ’no’ licensed spectrum resources. In this context, dependent or independent local business can be identified according to surrounding spectrum regulations. On possible independent local business models for those emerging actors is to exploit the different flexible spectrum authorization options to provision tailored local mobile services. Other viable dependent local business models rest with the possibility to enter into different cooperation agreements to deploy and operate dedicated local mobile infrastructure on behalf established mobile network operators.QC 20170510</p

A Service of zbw Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre for Economics Title: QoE: A market perspective analysis

Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in Abstract With the development of mobile networks, customer needs and behaviours have changed. Mobile communications means so much more than simple voice communication; there is now mobile Internet with web surfing, videophone, streaming media, and micro blogging. The objective of network optimization has gradually shifted from enhancing network performance to improve quality of experience (QoE). Therefore, assessing and optimizing QoE is the trend for optimizing future mobile networks. Today, users want reliable access for their content, wherever they go in the network. To deliver the best possible experience to mobile broadband subscribers, operators need new ways to assess performance that will enable them to build and manage their networks in the most efficient way. The new paradigmatic eco system (user-interfacenetwork-content) requires novel and disruptive end-to-end considerations in order to enable and sustain the next generation of services and user experience. Thus, the extraordinary adoption of mobile connectivity by end users, and the need for optimized bandwidth management network resource, on the one hand, and the growing interest for good quality content delivery/consumption, is boosting the creation of new network solutions. We consider that by taking advantage of the capacity to support multimedia platforms and applications of mobile devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, etc.) is possible to incorporate and provide awareness to the wireless infrastructures in the context of crosslayer systems to manage the resource allocation according to expected QoE levels. In this thesis, we address the question on how to implement QoE-aware mobile networks and evaluate different schedulers oriented to take advantage of the proposed architecture. With this study, we provide insights into the broader question of whether future mobile infrastructures can be deployed considering QoE besides the classical QoS considerations. In that sense, QoE-aware architecture takes advantage of the current features of mobile terminals and applications to provide awareness of the content processing and user&apos;s QoE to the wireless networks. The proposed solutions are believed to have a significant impact on the development of future mobile networks

Performance Evaluation of Uplink Multiple Access Techniques in LTE Mobile Communication System

The User Equipments (UE) nowadays are able to provide various internet applications and services that raise the demand for high speed data transfer and Quality of Service (QoS). Accordingly, next generation mobile communication systems driven by these demands are expected to provide higher data rates and better link quality compared to the existing systems. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) are strong multiple access candidates for the uplink of the International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced). These multiple access techniques in combination with other promising technologies such as multi-hops transmission and Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) will be utilized to reach the targeted IMT-Advanced system performance. In this thesis, OFDMA and SC-FDMA are adopted and studied in the uplink of Long Term Evolution (LTE). Two transmission scenarios are considered, namely the single hop transmission and the relay assisted transmission (two hops). In addition, a hybrid multiple access technique that combines the advantages of OFDMA and SC-FDMA in term of low Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) and better link performance (in terms of Symbol Error Rate (SER)) has been proposed in relay assisted transmission scenario. Simulation results show that the proposed hybrid technique achieves better end-to-end link performance in comparison to the pure SC-FDMA technique and maintains the same PAPR value in access link. In addition, a lower PAPR is achieved compared to OFDMA case, which is an important merit in the uplink transmission due to the UE’s power resources constraint (limited battery power)

Performance Evaluation of Uplink Multiple Access Techniques in LTE Mobile Communication System

The User Equipments (UE) nowadays are able to provide various internet applications and services that raise the demand for high speed data transfer and Quality of Service (QoS). Accordingly, next generation mobile communication systems driven by these demands are expected to provide higher data rates and better link quality compared to the existing systems. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) are strong multiple access candidates for the uplink of the International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT-Advanced). These multiple access techniques in combination with other promising technologies such as multi-hops transmission and Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) will be utilized to reach the targeted IMT-Advanced system performance. In this thesis, OFDMA and SC-FDMA are adopted and studied in the uplink of Long Term Evolution (LTE). Two transmission scenarios are considered, namely the single hop transmission and the relay assisted transmission (two hops). In addition, a hybrid multiple access technique that combines the advantages of OFDMA and SC-FDMA in term of low Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) and better link performance (in terms of Symbol Error Rate (SER)) has been proposed in relay assisted transmission scenario. Simulation results show that the proposed hybrid technique achieves better end-to-end link performance in comparison to the pure SC-FDMA technique and maintains the same PAPR value in access link. In addition, a lower PAPR is achieved compared to OFDMA case, which is an important merit in the uplink transmission due to the UE’s power resources constraint (limited battery power)

The Incentives and Challenges of Delivering Linear Broadcasting Services over Cellular Network in Developing Countries : Sudan as Case study

The Broadcasting sector has been evolved in terms of service production, transmission platform and reception devices in the last few decades. In contrast to cable and satellite platform, which are suitable for fixed reception only, the terrestrial digital platform can support portable, mobile and fixed reception scenarios. In general, there are two options of mobile multimedia service; one is based on a mobile communication network with IP cast known as MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services), while the other is based on broadcast technology. In the context of convergence, the players in the mobile sector argues that unlike traditional mobile  network systems, where the use was restricted to a given application, emerging  mobile networks will be able to carry a variety of services and accordingly separate broadcasting networks will no longer be required. In line with argument, it is not economically viable to roll out dedicated wireless broadband networks by the broadcasters to meet the increasing demand for interactive broadcasting services. That is why the broadcasters may look for innovative mechanism to deliver the broadcast services over mobile broadband network owned by the telecommunication operators. The focus on this paper is to investigate the incentives and challenges for such trend in developing countries; taking Sudan as case study. The main conclusion in this paper indicate that a potential economic incentive for delivering the broadcasting service over cellular network in Sudan subject to the deployment of high efficient mobile network. Moreover, the mobile operators may consider support such approach considering the increase demand for additional frequency resource.  However, the key challenges remain in how to develop a suitable regulations landscape to assure fair and competitive business practices on hand while guaranteeing the continuation of the public broadcasting service. In this regard, a new regulation framework needs to be developed to separate the three key functions in digital terrestrial broadcasting value chain (namely the content production and distribution). Further on, the necessary interconnection regulations need to put on place in order to pave the way for rollout of common platform that are necessary for interactive and nonlinear services. QC 20150206METI

Regulation development on licensed shared access and TV white spaces

For several years, the demand for data has increased. Furthermore, this is a growing trend. There are three ways to meet this demand. One option is to make the network denser; this implies large investments. We can work on improving the bandwidth efficiency; unfortunately, the channel limit is about to be reached[1]. Finally, the bandwidth allocated to telecommunication can be enlarged. Indeed, there are large spaces on spectrum which have been underused by the army or by the TV broadcasters. These players employ only a part of their allocated frequencies or use them only in a restricted area or time. Thus, regulatory frameworks are under construction to allow second users to exploit the locally unused frequencies without harming the incumbent. The two most advanced projects in this area are Licensed Share Access (LSA) and TV White Spaces (TVWS). Under LSA, an agreement is settled between an incumbent who underuses its spectrum (e.g: the Army) and one to several second users (share licensees). The agreement states, among other things, the area where the share licensees can deploy their networks and the conditions leading to its termination. In the case of TVWS, which takes advantage of the locally unused TV frequencies, the number of second users is unlimited and there is no direct contract with the incumbents (TV broadcasters and PMSE1 ). Instead, second users have to obtain the regulator authorization. Concretely, second users inform a database of their localization and the characteristics of their devices and will get in return available channels and power limitations. Even if there is a common understanding of these regulatory frameworks, regulators[2][3] are still working on the definition. This paper aims at presenting in several countries the trends in the regulation of TVWS and LSA. Aspects such as normalization, authorized uses, and allocated bandwidths will be highlighted. From this overall regulatory picture, this research will provide insight on the business development around TVWS and LSA.QC 20150205METI

Break

Spectrum is a key factor for network deployments, since it determines the capacity of thenetwork. Nonetheless, spectrum is a limited natural resource, i.e. a finite, non-exhaustiblecommon resource. In order to fulfill the high performance targets of future mobile broadband(MBB) systems, a more efficient use and more effective management of spectrum resources haveto be developed.Licensed Shared Access is a new complementary spectrum access scheme that allows for thesharing of partially used licensed spectrum from an incumbent (e.g. a government organization),by a limited number of “LSA licensees” (e.g. Mobile Network Operators). The LSA agreementfollows pre-defined dynamic or static sharing conditions, that determine where, when and how touse the incumbent’s spectrum.The implementation of Licensed Shared Access needs the support of a very good regulatoryframework and follow the harmonized spectrum pathway. Spectral harmonization or the uniformallocation of frequency bands across an entire region lowers the technology costs, making iteasier for any country to consider its implementation. Once adopted throughout the regions,economies of scale are achieved.The approach taken in this research covers the interrelations between technical, market andregulatory conditions in Latin America, in order to present the possible value LSA could bring tothe region. The research showed how the region still has a vast amount of spectrum to beallocated as exclusive spectrum, which is preferred by operators. The low mobile broadbandpenetration in most of the region is another factor for the low value of LSA at the time of thisstudy.Qc 20150205METI

Can Licensed Shared Access bring benefits to Developing Countries? A comparison of the potential benefits of LSA in Europe and Latin America

Spectrum is a key factor for network deployments, since it determines the capacity of thenetwork. Nonetheless, spectrum is a limited natural resource, i.e. a finite, non-exhaustiblecommon resource. In order to fulfill the high performance targets of future mobile broadband(MBB) systems, a more efficient use and more effective management of spectrum resources haveto be developed.Licensed Shared Access is a new complementary spectrum access scheme that allows for thesharing of partially used licensed spectrum from an incumbent (e.g. a government organization),by a limited number of “LSA licensees” (e.g. Mobile Network Operators). The LSA agreementfollows pre-defined dynamic or static sharing conditions, that determine where, when and how touse the incumbent’s spectrum.The implementation of Licensed Shared Access needs the support of a very good regulatoryframework and follow the harmonized spectrum pathway. Spectral harmonization or the uniformallocation of frequency bands across an entire region lowers the technology costs, making iteasier for any country to consider its implementation. Once adopted throughout the regions,economies of scale are achieved.The approach taken in this research covers the interrelations between technical, market andregulatory conditions in Latin America, in order to present the possible value LSA could bring tothe region. The research showed how the region still has a vast amount of spectrum to beallocated as exclusive spectrum, which is preferred by operators. The low mobile broadbandpenetration in most of the region is another factor for the low value of LSA at the time of thisstudy.Qc 20150205METI

The Invisible Injuries of HIV/AIDS: What the Law Overlooks in Domestic Violence, Sex Work, and HIV Testing

Jane Stoever, Director of the Domestic Violence Clinic, American University, Washington College of Law “The Presence of HIV/AIDS in the Domestic Violence Context” • Svati Shah, postdoctoral fellow, Duke University “Sex Work, Criminalization, and Public Health in India’s Informal Sectors” • Matthew Pierce, postdoctoral fellow, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill “Opting Out of the Opt-in/Opt-out Distinction in HIV Testing