Structural separation is slowly starting to affect fixed networks

Structural separation is affecting the traditional role of a vertically integrated network operator. This could lead to a situation in which network operators (netcos) do not own most of the physical assets and the physical asset owners have no role in core network operations or customer services. Indeed, network virtualisation, 5G standalone core networks, edge computing, cloud RAN and other technological developments create many options for network operators to have less-than-full ownership of the physical network assets, not all of which will make commercial sense. As we evaluate these new possibilities, it is pertinent to consider what is working so far.