Mobile operators’ resources sharing model in Tanzania to reduce towers’ capital and operating expenditures

In Tanzania, there are more than one cellular network operators. All operate independently and compete in coverage, which results in mushrooming of the masts all over the country. For example, Airtel alone has 1,365 masts while Tigo has 856 and Vodacom has 1,149 masts. The capital expenditure and operating expenditure costs are borne by individual operators indefinitely. The proposed model uses one multiservice/multiport antenna to provide 900/1800/2100 MHz services which are vertically-spaced sets of antennas each comprising of three antennas to cover 360o. With this approach, just one set is used leaving free mounting spaces that can be used by other operators. Sharing of back haul is by using the National ICT Broadband Backbone. In order to maintain using available masts, the users will be limited to five and the national roaming will be used to serve for following entrants as next sharing option. Maximum antennas size on market is 2.6 m, therefore 3 m separation between antennas is chosen to make sure that those operators who have 1.4 m or 2 m antennas will be able to swap for 2.4 m or 2.6 m antennas. This will ensure that antennas do not touch, cause obstruction to each other or cross interference and provide space in case of installation of other equipment such as Remote Electrical Tilt (RET). The research shows that it is possible to reduce the number of masts, lower Capex and Opex by sharing of masts and back haul. Since Capex and Opex are one of call charge base, this will eventually lower the call charges if TCRA shall closely supervise sharing act in Tanzania that has been in place since 2005.