Multi-criteria Evaluation of Mobile Network Sharing Policies in Korea

Abstract

Mobile operators in saturated markets increasingly favor mobile network sharing (MNS) over facility-based competition. Previous research examining MNS primarily focused on its positive effects, while the negative effects were largely overlooked. This study proposes a decision-making model using an analytic hierarchy process technique to evaluate decision-making criteria among various types of MNS policies. The decision-making model was applied to Wireless Broadband services in Korea to determine the relative importance of both positive and negative evaluation criteria and preference among multiple types of MNS policies. Positive evaluation criteria (that is, efficiency) were far greater in importance than negative evaluation criteria (that is, competition harm). The preference for adopting MNS among five alternative approaches was also revealed. The study findings offer immediate policy insights in Korea and provide a decision-making framework for policy makers in other countries to utilize.