GEOSPATIAL IN TELECOM NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT (Closed workshop)

TELECOM NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT: OVERVIEW

Telecommunication industry continues to be one of the most competitive industries with rapid evolution. Telecom companies (Telcos) need to effectively manage their network infrastructure in order to stay competitive and to achieve growth. With major talks on the coming shift to 5G, Telcos will need to make upgrades to their core connectivity infrastructure and offer improved and expanded services to customers - through the use of small cells, network densification (adding more cells to serve more customers), installing more fiber infrastructure, and improving spectrum efficiency. The capability to manage one's network infrastructure effectively makes a strategic difference, and for that, Telcos require thorough understanding and analysis of the location of their network assets, facilities and customers' demography.

GEOSPATIAL FOR TELCOS

Real-time Knowledge of Network Structure
Network monitoring, testing, maintenance, and customer service are the most important activities for Telcos to ensure the effective functioning of a telecom network. Geospatial technology can enhance the efficiency of network monitoring activities as they provide real-time knowledge of the network structure. Integrating geospatial information with Telcos' database enables instant access to various information such as customer status and history, the existing network structure, signal quality in a specific demography, and any need for maintenance or repair services. The status of network elements can be visualized on maps, thus enabling fast and reliable maintenance services.

Network Capacity Planning

With the increased penetration of mobile devices and computers, it is necessary for Telcos to keep expanding their services into rural areas. In order to devise effective network capacity planning, a logical communication network structure based on future communication demand needs to be established. Geospatial technology is widely used in making effective decisions for network capacity planning based on the correlation between existing network structure, network performance status and network service demands.

Market Segmentation

Geospatial technology offers location-based market analysis that can be used for intelligent marketing activities for Telcos. Location data helps identify relations between a customer's geographical presence and Telcos' marketing campaigns. Customers' characteristics including lifestyle, demography, spending behavior, and other interests can be viewed in a collective geographical locations, providing Telcos with insights on potential demand in certain areas. Such insights improve customer targeting and segmentation as it helps Telcos to easily identify the reach of their marketing activities in a particular targeted segment. This capability will help Telcos to better manage their budgets for promotional activities and marketing campaigns in the long run.

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE