The architecture and a business model for the open heterogeneous mobile network - [ITU-T kaleidoscope]

The mobile communications market has grown rapidly over the past ten years, but the market could reach saturation in the foreseeable future. More flexible mobile networks that can meet various user demands and create new market openings are required for further growth. Heterogeneous networks are more suitable than homogeneous networks for meeting a wide variety of user demands. There are two types of heterogeneous networks: a closed type, where network resources are deployed and operated by communication carriers, and an open type, where network resources can be deployed not only by existing operators, but also by companies, universities, and so on. It will be easy for newcomers to enter mobile businesses in an open heterogeneous mobile network so many innovative services are likely to be provided through cooperation between various companies or organizations. This article proposes a revised architecture for TISPAN-NGN, which corresponds to heterogeneous networks and open mobile markets, and presents a new business model.