· be similar in terms of legacy and future network roll-out – this is satisfied by explicitly taking into account changes in the network structure and changing the blending of the network domains accordingly.

Fig. 3 illustrates the model structure overview.

By taking the baseline scenario description and the using the benchmark database, we first do a reverse calculation and normalize the operation under investigation, i.e. compute the negative cost savings resulting if the current status (often involving a certain amount of local outsourcing, e.g. in form of BOT contracts) was reverse transformed into a basic, pure local service rendering. Next, we look at each future scenario to be evaluated, and apply the target settings for all delivery options to the previously normalized baseline, again using the benchmark database. To compute the dynamic effects, finally, the ramp-up functions are applied, and changes in future network roll-out are reflected in the network domain.

We analyzed numerous country operations of a MEA “regional champion” operator. The equipment supplier landscape was fragmented, and activities had been either performed nationally or piecewise to the infrastructure vendor concerned. For a group of Anglophone countries, limited regionalization had already been achieved historically before the group was acquired by the current shareholder. Our task was to assess the current state in greater detail and to present and evaluate potential improvements with regards to their strategic, technical, and economic benefits.

We defined 12 target scenarios:

· M.1 – managed services: All operations and maintenance (O&M) functions will remain the sole responsibility of the local network operators and are outsourced to an external supplier.

· C.1 – Aggressive centralization with managed service: A global network management center (GNMC) is built and network operation center (NOC) responsibilities are shifted. At the same time field and E&M maintenance are outsourced.

· C.2 – Aggressive centralization with tailoring: A GNMC is built and NOC responsibilities are shifted. At the same time field and E&M maintenance remain unchanged.