Cost Analysis of a 5G Network with Multi-Tenancy Options

5G networks are envisioned to provide consumers and industry with improved transmission performance and advanced communication possibilities. To deliver the promises on ushering fast downloads and low latency, the mobile network operators are called upon for formidable investment in network upgrades, the lion’s share of which is expected to be in the radio access network (RAN). One option for operator investment relief consists in sharing resources, RAN and backhaul, by means of a mobile service provider (MSP) that would have access to the joint infrastructure of multiple infrastructure providers and offer services to its tenants. This article calculates the cost savings via multi-tenancy of a 5G network architecture. The study was performed within 3 boroughs of central London, UK, for the period 2020-2030. The results show cost advantages to operators when using a multi-tenancy scheme compared to incurring the investment severally.