Telecoms operator opex reduction strategies: case studies and analysis (pan-European operators)

This report analyses the approaches that six telecoms operators are taking to reduce their operating costs. The selected operators are active in at least two European countries. Each operator’s opex reduction initiatives are assessed based on four categories: operations, infrastructure and network, organisation and energy costs. 

The report identifies some of the strategic targets set by operators and, where relevant, assesses whether these target have been met, and whether past strategies have been effective. Trends in relation to opex, opex intensity, opex breakdown by category and opex per subscriber are also reported. The case studies included in this report are based on publicly available sources as well as insights from analyst briefings and events.

Questions answered in this report

• In which areas are telecoms operators trying to reduce opex? 
• What types of initiatives have operators employed to achieve their opex objectives? 
• What are the drivers and the targets behind these initiatives? 
• Which common challenges are operators facing in achieving their opex reduction targets?

Case studies included in this report