Wholesale Open Access Networks (single wholesale networks) are perhaps not the panacea that is claimed.
The goals are often ambitious when governments propose establishing a single wholesale network (SWN) or a wholesale open access network (WOAN) instead of relying upon competing mobile networks to deliver mobile broadband services in their country. Citizens are promised better coverage, more competition, and as a result, more affordable prices. However, research shows that of five countries originally considering this option, only one, Rwanda, has actually rolled out a network.
The lessons from these five countries should serve as examples to other countries contemplating this route. They highlight the real challenges of SWNs and WOANs and are a wakeup call to those regulators that look to them as an alternative to tried-and-true approaches to network deployment.
A better way forward is for governments, regulators and mobile operators to collaborate on long-term solutions. The basic building blocks which can help make this happen are:
- Cost effective access to low frequency spectrum
- Support for spectrum re-farming
- Support for all forms of voluntary infrastructure sharing
- Elimination of sector specific taxation on operators, vendors and consumers
- Non-discriminatory access to public infrastructure
- Support for streamlined planning and administrative processes
- Relaxation of Quality of Service requirements
- Context appropriate competition policy, especially concerning market structure
- Support for multi-sided business models such as zero rating and sponsored data