Mobile Coverage Investment Model Linked To Mobile Network Design

摘要

Investment planning for rural mobile networks is critically dependant on the local conditions. There are geographical limits beyond which network deployment is not economically justified. Methodology to assess these limits is presented in this paper. Two different network deployment scenarios are assessed for rural deployment. The scenarios differ technically -one uses well known radio technologies, while the other employs advanced radio link enhancement technologies. Radio link enhancement technologies have evolved to a point where the new technology should be used in early network planning scenarios to maximize investment efficiency. Investment efficiency is also subject to environmental and demographic conditions. A better understanding of the conditions will guide mobile network operators to successful investment planning. A simple cash flow model is created to estimate the success of the investment. Rural conditions in South Africa are used as a case study to assess the feasibility of the selected approach to investment planning.