Research into recent press sector dynamics

Report co-authored with Dr Gordon Ramsay, Dr Sami Stouli and Stephen Adshead Plum undertook a study for the UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) that examined the current status of the local newspaper market and its relationship to democratic participation (measure by local election turnout). The study also included an extensive overview[…]

Valuation of mobile broadband spectrum in Taiwan

Plum was part of the study team which advised the National Communications Commission on the auction of the 2.6 GHz band in Taiwan. Plum’s consultants led the valuation work, which employed a combination of techniques including international benchmarking, econometrics, avoided cost modelling and enterprise valuation. The work also included an assessment of the potential impact[…]

Plum Insight: Vorsprung durch Econometrics – what drives spectrum value?

Radiospectrum is a vital input in the provision of mobile services. Additional spectrum enhances the coverage and capacity of mobile networks, enabling them to meet the ever-growing demand for mobile data. Yet attaching an appropriate value to spectrum is a perennial problem for regulators and operators – regulators must decide how to allocate spectrum and[…]

Valuing mobile spectrum in Mexico

Plum was commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank to provide advice to the Mexican telecommunications regulator, the IFT, on the appropriate way of valuing spectrum ahead of a number of auctions.  The IFT was set to significantly expand the amount of spectrum available to operators, and wanted to understand the appropriate level for reserve prices[…]

The value of 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum in Thailand

Plum was a member of an ITU team that advised the NBTC, Thailand on spectrum valuation methodology, derived spectrum values and advised on reserve prices for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Reserve prices provide starting prices for different lots in an auction and so they are not an estimate of the value that[…]

700 MHz band plans in Europe

Plum evaluated alternative harmonised band plans, 2×40 MHz versus 2×30 MHz, for the 700 MHz band for the ITU-R Region 1.  The study looks at the economic issues to inform the GSMA regarding the best candidate from these two band plans.  The study focusses on the costs and benefits from an operator perspective as well as[…]

Valuation of mobile broadband spectrum in Australia

Plum supported the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) with the estimation of value for the 700 MHz and 2.5 GHz spectrum bands in Australia. The work was performed in conjunction with Dr. Melvyn Weeks of the University of Cambridge. To derive estimates of spectrum value for delivery of mobile broadband services[…]