Network investments in the age of austerity

In the age of austerity, mobile companies are looking at ways to minimize capital investments. Meanwhile, consumers are not prepared to compromise on cost. Operators in emerging markets like Uninor are leading the way.

Coping with fierce competition and increasing demands for service quality, coupled with regulatory and financial limitations, innovation has become a necessity for mobile operators. In emerging, low-ARPU markets, operators are challenging norms and mindsets to serve a soaring subscriber base.

Adding almost 18 million customers last year with a market offering based on affordable basic services to the mass market, Uninor has taken radical steps to optimize costs.

Discussing network investments in the age of austerity with technology leaders from several continents at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Uninor COO Yogesh Malik shared his perspectives on infrastructure costs and innovation.