We all enjoy the benefits of the 'information age' but we may not be aware of the range of technologies and infrastructure that underpins the Internet and the services that it supports. There are many companies involved in the business of providing and operating such resources. This book attempts to explain the complex interplay between the companies, how their businesses operate, and how they seek to make a profit.
The authors consider how telecommunications companies tackle the challenging Information and Communication Technology market place - how they make a case for investment, develop and market products, and how they operate telecommunications networks and computer-server resources. Topics covered include: an introduction to the telecommunications business; regulation; business strategy; corporate finance and governance; network economics; network strategy and planning; customers and marketing; product management; network and service operations; and people and organisation development. In particular, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the tools for analysing markets, constructing business cases and providing customer service - all with specific reference to telecommunications and reallife case studies.
The authors have based this book on the material used to teach Masters Degree students over the last 10 years, as well as drawing on their knowledge gained through a combined experience of over 80 years working within the industry. Understanding Telecommunications Business is essential for undergraduate and graduate students studying telecommunications, and will also find a place on the bookshelves of the many people already working in the industry, or considering joining it. Although selfcontained, this book forms a companion to Understanding Telecommunications Networks, which is also in the IET Telecommunications series.
Andy Valdar has had a wide-ranging career in telecommunications, covering network planning, international standards, training, product management, regulation, and developing network strategy. After 30 years working for BT, including a 3-year secondment to the UN in India, he joined University College London in 1999 as a Visiting Professor and Course Director. He is currently an active participant in international conferences, a director on the Board of the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) and Chairman of the Editorial Board for its Journal.
Ian Morfett has an extensive knowledge of Telecommunications having worked for BT for 30 years, most recently as MD of Strategy and Business Development for BT Wholesale. Previously, he was Group Director of Regulatory Affairs and held a number of senior roles covering finance, commerce and customer service. Until 2006, he was the Deputy Director of the Better Regulation Executive in the Cabinet Office. He now teaches at University College London, developing programmes in Telecommunications' leadership and management. He is also Chairman of his local NHS Hospital Trust.
