Mobile Network Operators and Cooperation - IMP Group

3.4. EXISTING TYPES OF OPERATOR COOPERATION 45
Figure 3.5: Active Business roles for a Mobile Virtual Network Operator and a
Mobile Network operator that provide the network resources to the MVNO
Network sharing
Networks can be shared in many different ways, both technically and business wise.
Different solutions exist for how the core network nodes are connected to the radio
access network control. Using a Gateway Core Network (GWCN) configuration
the mobile network operators share the core network nodes MSC/SGSN. With a
Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) configuration the core network nodes are
operated by different operators but connected to the same RNC in the radio access
network [99].
The shared networks in Sweden also have their own PLMN codes. There are
a number of issues related to network selection and handover in scenarios where
there is a mix of shared and non-shared networks. E.g. a moving user that has
been served by a shared network needs to be handed over to the correct network.
3GPP has described cell selection and re-selection for these cases [101].
The configuration of business roles for the involved actors in the Swedish shared
3G networks are illustrated in Figures 3.6 and 3.7. Telenor and Hi3G both operate
their own 3G networks and use the shared network provided by 3GIS. Hence, there
are three separate networks. Telenor, Hi3G and 3GIS also have their own network
planning groups. 3GIS has no own end-users, these are the customers of Telenor
and Hi3G .
The cooperation between Telia and Tele2 is somewhat different to the case of
Telenor and Hi3G . There is only one 3G license, the one awarded to Tele2, and
one 3G network. Tele2 and Telia are both owners and customers of SUNAB, but