Mobile network operators carry out maintenance activities to ensure that their networks are reliable, secure, and ready for the demands of the future.

In the last couple of years, the net-zero pledge has also been a trigger to perform maintenance. Mobile network operators are regularly upgrading their network hardware and software to ensure that they are using the latest and most efficient technologies.

In recent years, the cost of mobile network maintenance has been increasing due to a number of factors, including the growing demand for mobile data traffic, the deployment of new technologies such as 5G, and the increasing complexity of mobile networks.

Replacing parts for more energy-efficient parts or reconfiguring the signal (angle, range, direction, power, etc) to reduce interference. This helps to improve network performance and reliability.

The cost of mobile network maintenance varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the network, the geographic area it covers, and the level of service required. However, a typical mobile network operator spends around 10-15% of its annual revenue on maintenance costs.

Some of the key costs associated with mobile network maintenance are:

• Labor costs: Mobile network operators employ a variety of engineers and technicians to maintain their networks. This includes personnel who work on everything from installing and upgrading network equipment to troubleshooting and resolving network issues.
• Equipment costs: Mobile network operators need to invest in a variety of equipment to maintain their networks. This includes cell towers, base stations, and other network infrastructure.
• Software costs: Mobile network operators also need to invest in software to manage and monitor their networks. This includes software for network planning, optimization, and security.
• Other costs: Other costs associated with mobile network maintenance include energy costs, rental costs, and regulatory fees.

Mobile operators are reducing the aforementioned maintenance costs by:

• Automating maintenance tasks: Mobile network operators are increasingly automating maintenance tasks to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
• Using cloud-based solutions: Mobile network operators are also using cloud-based solutions to reduce their IT costs and improve scalability.
• Partnering with other operators: Mobile network operators are partnering with other operators to share resources and reduce costs.
• Outsourcing: Mobile network operators are outsourcing maintenance tasks (on-site and in the network operations centers) to local and abroad organizations.

LIMA Maintenance and Permit Management (MPM) is a centralized network management solution that is designed to help mobile operators reduce maintenance costs structurally. Integrated with LIMA Network Protect Energy, it provides a one-stop shop for energy efficiency and planned maintenance, orchestrating planned maintenance with energy-saving optimizations. Standalone LIMA MPM supports the whole maintenance and permit process. From the creation of the permit request to the onsite sign-off.  The level of automation depends on the progressivity of the mobile operator. Varying from the traditional approval button to fully automated cell site shutdown upon arrival of the maintenance engineer.

LIMA MPM can be used to manage multiple operators in a country and/or multinational operators via a single user interface and LIMA MPM supports shared resources for example cell sites.

The audit trail makes it possible to (back)trace the activities to ensure misuse or security breach attempts. The system is hardened according to the latest standards, and it has a built-in safety mechanism to ensure the safety of the personnel onsite.

These are a subset of the features that help mobile operators reduce costs, remain in control even if tasks are outsourced, and reach a higher level of automation.

If you are a mobile network operator who is looking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your maintenance permit management process, then MPM will be a good solution for you.

Having a centralized management system brings your organization one step away from artificial intelligence (AI) in mobile network maintenance, such as monitoring network performance, identifying and troubleshooting problems, and predicting future failures. This can free up maintenance staff to focus on more complex tasks and improve the overall efficiency.