As operators start planning their 5G deployment, one important question that should not be overlooked is what should be done about existing 2G and 3G networks. The rationale for phasing out legacy networks is to ensure that spectrum is refarmed to the most efficient technology and by doing so reduce operating costs and optimise the[…]
The 3.5 GHz band is a core spectrum band for 5G deployment globally and many countries have either assigned this spectrum or are making preparations to do so. In the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, the 3.5 GHz band is used by different satellite and fixed services and its availability is less clear.[…]
Plum conducted a research study for the Australian regulator ACMA to examine the international practices on the award of high-value spectrum, particularly for mobile use. The research covered a variety of award mechanisms adopted by regulators in other jurisdictions, including auctions, comparative tenders, administrative awards and hybrid formats. The outcomes of the awards were then[…]
Plum supported London Economics in carrying out an economic assessment of the acquisition by HKBN of WTT for the Hong Kong regulator OFCA. The merger analysis considered the impacts on potentially affected markets, including retail and wholesale fixed services, and took into account market trends and the implications of technology developments on supply and demand[…]
This Plum study for the Kosovo regulator ARKEP involved the valuation of the frequency bands for IMT services. Benchmarking and econometric analysis were carried out to derive the market value of six bands (800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 and 3500 MHz) and recommendations were provided on the appropriate auction reserve prices and spectrum fees, taking[…]
Plum undertook a study for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The purpose of the study was to review the existing telecommunications infrastructure capacity in Hong Kong. It comprised identifying a set of assessment indicators to assess its adequacy; development of benchmarks to assess the supply[…]
Plum carried out a study for an Asia-based telecommunications operator to consider the merits of phasing out of 2G or 3G mobile services. As the demand for spectrum to support 4G services grows, the phasing out of 2G or 3G can help ensure that the most efficient technology is used to deliver services and the[…]
The Taiwanese regulator NCC has taken a decision to adopt a cost-oriented approach for the regulation of next generation wholesale leased line services. To support the NCC in deriving appropriate wholesale prices for these services, Plum was commissioned to build a bottom-up long run incremental cost (LRIC) model. Plum, working alongside the Telecom Technology Center,[…]
This study for the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) provided an independent assessment of the impacts on service quality arising from reassignment of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum in Hong Kong. The assessment model developed by Plum analysed the network infrastructure requirements of mobile network operators under various market, technology evolution and spectrum[…]
In conjunction with TTC, Plum provided the NCC – the Taiwanese regulator – with three reports examining the current market for leased lines in Taiwan, providing input to a consultation on the appropriate regulatory mechanisms, and specifying how a regulatory cost model should be built. The leased line market in Taiwan has historically been regulated[…]