Network Economics Tool: Evaluating next generation costs

Over the last few years we have seen an explosion in the growth of mobile data traffic due to significant improvements in user experience. This increased demand for bandwidth has firmly placed network economics on the industry agenda as operators deliberate over when, where and how to deploy cost effective solutions to optimise the use of their scarce resources.

Network Economics Tool (NET) is a new, easy to use online tool which enables equipment vendors and operators to model the capital and operational cost of deploying and upgrading wireless broadband networks and understand ROI.

The tool allows operators to independently develop, test and refine a business case for any target market in real-time using a combination of market data, technical parameters and economic inputs. Results are displayed via a dynamic charting and reporting interface which enables detailed scenario and sensitivity analysis.

From when to launch LTE to where to add carriers and optimise traffic, NET helps decision makers answer crucial questions by providing detailed technical and financial information in an interactive, easy-to use dashboard.

Why choose Networks Economics Tool?

Network Economics Tool offers unique functionality built on our research and forecasting expertise. NET uses our scenario-based traffic forecasting model to help you assess future network requirements and includes access to over 40 country profiles to assist your modelling. The service enables you to simulate the latest devices on mobile networks including tablets and smartphones and evaluate network resources across different zones in cities, suburbs and rural areas.

An easy to use interface with no software to download. NET is an online tool which requires no software downloads, updates or extensive training. The service provides a user friendly interface which enables executive users to model, evaluate and visualise network deployments and upgrades using default inputs and advanced customisation and control for power users.

NET was built in close consultation with C-level executives from major operators and vendors. NET was designed to match the needs and business processes of our clients. The tool can help you profile your network, your customers network and validate your existing methodologies. Network scenarios and analysis can be saved for future use and comparison, the tool also includes dynamic  PDF and PowerPoint outputs which can be plugged directly into your presentations and analysis.

Network Economics Tool is designed for:

Operators

• Create your own network profile specific to your customer demands
• Use built-in scenarios to help model your network
• Profile your competitor’s network
• Evaluate network deployment using a variety of investment appraisal techniques
• Model traffic by device type and geotype
• Compare vendor claims with an independent and validated tool
• Find out what new revenues are necessary to account for network investments.

Vendors

• Profile your customers’ networks to understand their future requirements
• Illustrate the effect of your solution in a real-life network, evaluate cost reduction
• Validate existing network analysis methodologies.

Financial institutions and the investor community

• Assess operator investment decisions and the choices available to them
• Evaluate vendor messages and offerings and their impact on costs
• Support your strategic advice.

NET can help you answer key strategic questions:

- What is the most cost effective solution to meeting future traffic demand?

- When should we deploy LTE?

- What savings will different upgrades bring?

- Where should we deploy network resources?

- How will the demand for tablets affect investment?

- Will WiFi offload save us money?

- What savings can network optimization bring?

- What is the payback period from launching new technologies?

- How do different geotype deployment strategies affect the cost per GB?