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Home Whitepaper Neutral hosts in mobile networks

Neutral hosts in mobile networks

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Value through neutral host providers and Open RAN

As 5G revenues stagnate, MNOs and TowerCos must rethink infrastructure ownership. Discover how Neutral Host Providers and Open RAN enable cost savings, service differentiation, and higher valuations.

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Summary
5G has not delivered the expected revenue growth. As ARPU stagnates and data growth slows, operators must rethink their models. This whitepaper explores how a Neutral Host Provider (NHP) model, enabled by Open RAN and cognitive networks, allows shared RAN infrastructure, reduces CapEx, enhances service differentiation, and increases ecosystem valuations.
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    Value through neutral host providers and Open RAN

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    Why change is needed

    Declining growth requires new network models.

    The 5G revenue gap

    Despite bold promises, 5G has not delivered strong revenue growth. Consumer “killer use cases” remain niche, data growth is slowing, and ARPU stagnates. Operators must focus on cost efficiency and structural change.

    From MNO-centric to neutral host

    The Neutral Host Provider (NHP) model shifts ownership of shared RAN hardware to TowerCos, while MNOs operate differentiated RAN software. This enables full service differentiation alongside infrastructure sharing.

    Up to 40% cost savings

    By centralizing shared RAN infrastructure under a Neutral Host, MNOs can achieve up to 40% cost savings compared to dedicated RAN operations, while converting CapEx into predictable OpEx streams.

    Open RAN as key enabler

    Open RAN decouples hardware and software, allowing multiple operators to share infrastructure while maintaining independence. It is the technological foundation for cognitive, software-defined networks.

    Higher valuations for TowerCos

    Shared infrastructure increases tenancy ratios, unlocks new revenue streams such as edge monetization, and improves asset utilization—supporting stronger EBITDA profiles and higher valuation multiples.

    Case study: TAWAL in KSA

    Learn how TAWAL is advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through a Neutral Host strategy, Open RAN innovation, and large-scale RAN infrastructure sharing.

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    How we support transformation

    From strategy to implementation of NHP models

    We support TowerCos and MNOs in designing viable Neutral Host Provider strategies, including ecosystem design, regulatory alignment, commercial modeling, and implementation roadmaps. 

    We help operators transition toward Open RAN-based cognitive networks, ensuring technical feasibility, vendor selection, integration planning, and business case validation. 

    Our experts quantify CapExOpEx, and TCO impacts of RAN sharing models, identifying up to 40% cost-saving potential while preserving service differentiation.

    We advise TowerCos on tenancy optimization, edge monetization strategies, and revenue diversification models to enhance EBITDA performance and long-term valuations. 

    We guide the evolution toward software-centric, autonomous networks that improve operational efficiency, flexibility, and profitability. 

    Full Whitepaper 

    Discover how Neutral Hosts and Open RAN unlock new value in mobile networks. 

    The financial impact

    Unlocking measurable value across the ecosystem.

    Why the NHP model matters

    The combination of Open RAN and Neutral Host Providers enables cost savings, new revenue streams, and higher valuation multiples for both MNOs and TowerCos. 

    40%

    potential cost savings for MNOs through shared RAN infrastructure and centralized operations. 

    20% 

    savings potential already achievable through passive infrastructure sharing. 

    65% 

    TAWAL’s share of the available tower footprint in Saudi Arabia following consolidation.

    CapEx 

    RAN CapEx can be significantly reduced and transformed into predictable OpEx streams under the NHP model.

    Our experts

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    Our consulting areas​

    Discover the areas where we provide tailored solutions designed to enhance value for our clients.

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