Management of international networks : influence of telecommunications regulation and telecommunications services on cost-effective management

Effective management of a communications network can be a difficult and costly activity, and even more so when the network crosses international borders. International network managers face a number of issues that are crucial to strategic decision-making, including the varying telecommunications regulations, operators, and services found within-as well as between-different countries. Focusing on these issues, Management of International Networks clears the way for network managers to make informed, strategic decisions. The author describes each of these issues in detail and develops models-illustrated by actual case studies-that allow a quantified analysis of each. With the ability to quantitatively assess these factors, managers can forecast the potential of cost-effectively managing a network within a given country and make decisions, such as: Where to place hubs for traffic in an international network In what country to expand the network What services to obtain from which operator to ensure a cost-effective network The strong increase in demand for international network services combined with the rapid changes in the telecommunications environment in many countries necessitate a closer examination of international networks and the development of new models and tools that will facilitate management decisions. Management of International Networks fulfills this demand. Network managers, planners, and operators along with consultants, telecommunications lawyers-virtually anyone working with international networks-will find this book an invaluable tool and guide to this dynamic, evolving arena. Preface 4 Acknowledgments 5 Introduction 6 Author 8 Table of Contents 9 Chapter 1. Management of International Networks 13 Chapter 2. Theoretical Development 37 Chapter 3. Regulatory Environment 51 Chapter 4. Telecommunications Services Offering 73 Chapter 5. Cost-Effective Management 91 Chapter 6. Explorative Case 99 Chapter 7. The Cost-Effective Management Model 117 Chapter 8. Description of the Test Cases 127 Chapter 9. Results of the Statistical Analysis of the Cases 157 Chapter 10. Conclusions, Practical Recommendations, Cost-Effective Strategies, Future Steps 169 Appendix: Network Manager Survey 183 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 187 References 191 Index 197 The new science of network management has yet to catch up with the telecommunications boom. Based on a Delft U. of Technology research project supported by Columbia U., and a survey of large telecommunications companies in Europe and the US, the managing director of Level (3) communications in the Netherlands proposes a cost-effective management model of quantifiable relationships among service offerings, the regulatory environment, and meeting user requirements. Includes case studies, and a glossary of terms from "area of availability" to "telecommunications operator". "Effective management of a communications network can be a difficult and costly activity - even more so when the network crosses international borders. International network managers face a number of issues that are crucial to strategic decision-making, including the varying telecommunications regulations, operators, and services found within - as well as between - different countries."--Jacket