Re: Simple solution
I just dropped in to make the same proposal but got beaten to it.
Anyway. I would run it similar to Network Rail:
- one public organisation runs the mobile network infrastructure (removing all the duplication of hardware and operating costs associated with running 4 networks)
- the money saved from duplication can then be used to improve geographic coverage
- that network operator could have access to other publlic infrastructure to install the network (I am thinking lamp-posts and rail infrastructure.
- commercial organisations buy access to the network with penalties on the network operator for failure to deliver availability, coverage and/or capacity
- hopefully as consumers we would get a better cheaper network. We would still pick up the bill, but the bill should be smaller.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
