Intro; Foreword; Preface; Contents; Anticipating the Future: Strategic Scenarios for Telco Markets and Initial Recommendations for Operators; 1 Introduction; 2 Key Elements of the Model; 3 Market Drivers and Their Effects on Player Types; 3.1 Traffic Growth and Its Effects; 3.2 Service Competition and Its Effects; 3.3 Price Competition and Its Effects; 3.4 Regulation and Its Effects; 4 Application of the Model to the German Telecommunications Market; 4.1 The German Telecommunications Market: A Retrospective; 4.2 Determination of Market Driver Manifestations; 4.2.1 Traffic Growth 4.2.2 Service Competition4.2.3 Price Competition; 4.2.4 Regulation; 4.3 Options for Action of the Player Types; 4.4 Spectrum of Future Market Scenarios; 4.5 Heterogeneous Power Play as the Best Market Scenario for Network Operators; 5 Summary and Initial Recommendations for Network Operators; References; Assessment of the Telecommunications Sector from the Capital Market Perspective; Part I: Integrated Networks; At the Forefront: Network Expansion Oriented to Customers and Needs; Integrated Network Planning: A Key Success Factor for Network Operators 1 Vision of a Future Network Infrastructure2 Challenges in Planning; 3 Approach for Successful Integrated Planning; 3.1 Constraints; 3.2 Realization of the Integrated Planning; 3.3 Planning of Various Time Horizons; 3.4 Cross-Layer Planning; 4 Prerequisites for Integrated Planning; 4.1 Comprehensive, Contemporaneous, and Cross-IT System Network Documentation Is the Basis for Every Planning Project; 4.2 The Most Precise Forecasts Possible Throughout All of the Diverse Phases of Planning 4.3 The Living Processes in the Network Operatorś Business Must Encourage, not Hinder Integrated Network Planning5 Examples for Application of Integrated Planning; 5.1 Optimal Network Rollout and Expansion Strategy; 5.2 Strategic Planning; 6 Benefits: Network Transparency and Efficiency; References; 5G and Satellites: A Viable Ecosystem?; 1 The Coverage Dilemma; 2 5G: The Magic Box?; 3 Autonomous Driving: A Killer Application?; 4 LEOś: Friend or Foe?; 5 A Necessary Ecosystem; 5G: New Opportunities?; 1 Introduction; 2 The Essence of 5G; 3 5G Network Slicing; 4 5G Use Cases 4.1 VR/AR Applications4.2 Automotive: Evolution of Cars and Its Digitization; 4.3 Digitization; 4.4 Drones; 5 Partnership; 6 Way Forward for an Operator; References; Small Cells: A Critical Assessment; 1 Introduction; 2 Are Small Cells Really Demanded?; 3 Are Small Cells Simple to Deploy?; 4 Can Small Cells Be Deployed at Reasonable Costs?; 5 Risks and Opportunities; 6 Outlook; Part II: Modern Network Concepts; Managed Services 4.0: On the Journey from Cost Efficiencies to Business Transformation; 1 Development of Telecom Network Managed Services.

This book examines the extensive changes in markets, technologies and value chains that telecommunication companies are currently confronted with. It analyzes the crossroads they have reached and the choices that now need to be made – to be a bit pipe or a trendsetter of digitalization. Based on an analysis of the key challenges for telcos, the book derives future market scenarios and puts forward recommendations for how they can successfully position themselves. It proposes a framework based on seven “levers,” which addresses concrete measures in each step of the value chain, ranging from technology, IT and processes, to innovation, marketing and sales issues. The book discusses the current challenges and provides both general recommendations and concrete solutions. Respected experts illustrate innovative strategic and technical trends and provide insights gained in real-life transformation projects. Recent developments in the areas of regulation, product development, competition between over-the-top (OTT) providers and telcos, as well as technical innovations like 5G, SDN/NFV, LEO satellites and MEC are discussed. Accordingly, practitioners, managers and researchers alike will benefit from the book’s wealth of examples and up-to-date insights.