Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and ... - ITU

Figure 9. Mast sharing
Figure 10. Mast and antenna sharing.
In Europe, in 2011 it has been estimated that two TSPs sharing a single network could save approximately
€400m in CAPEX and €138m per year in OPEX compared with deploying separate networks 125 . In addition,
the use of a technology called MORAN (Multi Operator Radio Access Network) can save 500W per site
compared to hybrid combining. In this case, filter combiners are used to allow separate RF modules to share
a common antenna system 125 .
Active sharing agreements include T-Mobile and 3 Group in the UK, Telstra and 3 Group, as well as
Vodafone and Optus, in Australia, Tele2 and Telia, as well as Tre and Telenor, in Sweden. In the Republic of
Korea, all three TSPs, KT, SK Telecom, and LGT invested in KRTnet Corporation in 1996 to construct and
manage base-station sites jointly used by all TSPs, leading to co-location of sites and tower sharing.
In Africa, Ghana and Nigeria lead the way on mobile infrastructure sharing. “In December 2010, MTN
entered into an agreement with American Tower Company to establish a joint venture in Ghana called
TowerCo Ghana. American Tower, through a wholly owned subsidiary, took a 51 per cent stake in TowerCo
Ghana, while MTN Group held a 49 per cent share” 126 .
The guidelines for the deployment of communication towers issued by the NCA 127 include the process for
application for a licence to erect and operate a tower. An applicant “must demonstrate that all reasonable
steps have been taken to investigate tower sharing before applying to the permitting agencies to construct a
new tower within a specified radius of 400m of the proposed site.” A licence can allow an independent
infrastructure provider to offer service providers access to towers on a shared basis provided that the
charges are fairly shared 128 . The guidelines include reference to energy saving measures such as solar panels.
The guidelines refer to Recommendation ITU-T K.52 129 on safety levels for persons in electromagnetic fields
near towers.
Mobile infrastructure sharing is an effective way to reduce both costs and GHG emissions. It could also
contribute to the wider deployment of mobile services in Ghana as many mobile TSPs are yet to move into
remote rural areas. "People are sparsely scattered over wide areas and most believe that the investment will
not match the returns. Operators do not want to take the risk alone. Tower sharing is the answer to this as
the risk is effectively shared by the service providers” 130 .
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