Abstract
Mobile network operators use a naturally limited resource to make communication and broadband services possible for their customers. Thus, they and other radio spectrum incumbents must use their spectrum resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. By examining Vodacom and Mobile Telephone Networks’ (MTN) spectrum strategies, which includes all the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands available to them, the research goal is to determine the most effective spectrum strategy for a South African mobile network operator. During this process, factors that influence a network operator’s effective use of spectrum will also be identified. There is currently limited literature on this subject and the challenges South African operators face in the pursuit of effective spectrum utilization.
A qualitative content analysis method was implemented to address the research questions. This systematic process involved distilling raw data into coherent categories and themes through rigorous inference and interpretation. An inductive approach was adopted, whereby themes and categories emerged from the data through the researcher's examination and ongoing comparative analysis. This approach allowed the research findings to surface from the recurring, dominant, or significant themes inherent in the raw data.
The study examines the IMT bands 700, 800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600, and 3500, as Vodacom and MTN have access to these frequencies. Each band is evaluated for both operators, except for the IMT800 band for Vodacom and the IMT700 band for MTN. The analysis focuses on how each operator utilizes these bands and how their practices compare to industry best practices. To answer the research questions, the study will mainly rely on the primary data from a semi-structured questionnaire and further supported by critical review of related secondary data, specifically publicly accessible data and existing literature.
The findings show that prioritizing specific LTE and 5G bands will help improve network performance, expand coverage, and cater to the diverse needs of mobile users, even in rural areas. This approach not only enables a smooth shift to newer technologies while maintaining existing services, but also keeps the mobile network operators (MNOs) adaptable to changing user demands. The study provides a recommended spectrum strategy for effective utilization and performance benefits. Factors which affect the MNOs’ effective utilization of spectrum are also outlined.