Infrastructure Sharing for Cellular Networks in Tanzania: A Cost Reduction Analysis With Game Approach

In: International journal of information communication technologies and human development: IJICTHD ; an official publication of the Information Resources Management Association, Band 12, Heft 1, S. 1-23

Abstract

Infrastructure sharing is a practical resource utilization strategy among mobile network operators (MNOs). The rapid growth of data flow and technology migration has increased the costs for both infrastructure deployment and management. Hence, to ensure effective resource utilization, researchers propose a joint venture towers construction for the mobile network in Tanzania. Cost reduction analysis for tower construction has been done through game theory. It has been observed that there is significant cost saving by the MNOs sharing the infrastructure. Based on game theory, it was found that 50% of the cost can be saved when the MNOs cooperate in tower construction, which in turn improves services to the users and increase the network rollout to the remote area. In general, network infrastructure sharing (NIS) benefits both operators and the public at large. The MNOs can have a significant financial saving by avoiding the costs of construction or upgrading the overlapping sites, consolidating the existing sites, and by reducing expenses related to rents, maintenance, and transmission.