Business models and resource management for shared wireless networks

Abstract

In this paper we analyze main use cases for sharing wireless access networks between multiple operators and service providers. Network sharing has been proposed as a method to lower roll-out costs for 3G operators in Europe, and is widely used in WLAN systems where local access providers offer wireless access to service providers. A similar structure also exists in cellular networks where mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) provide mobile services without having a mobile network of their own. The development points at a further fragmentation of wireless access networks into specialized service providers that connect to local service and access providers, possibly via an inter-connection provider serving with core network functionality. In this context, we propose a framework for how radio resources could be managed using service level agreements (SLA) and analyze key differences between the SLA for different types of service and network providers.