Emerging Business Models in Integrated Terrestrial and Non- Terrestrial Networks A Study of Connectivity Provisioning in Rural and Remote Areas and Autonomous Flying Taxi Services
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Management and economics of innovation (MPMEI), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Boman, David
Geraghty, Gabriel
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
The telecommunications industry is undergoing a significant shift with the integra-
tion of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, leading to widespread connectivity
that supports a variety of new applications. However, there is considerable uncer-
tainty about how the business landscape will evolve for these new applications. This
thesis sheds light on the emerging business landscape by investigating two specific
use cases: connectivity for rural and remote areas, and autonomous flying taxis.
It does so by constructing value networks for each use case, identifying a central
actor, and analysing them using the business model canvas framework. Addition-
ally, it explores potential financial interactions among the network’s participants.
The research is grounded in qualitative data collected from 12 interviews and two
focus groups with experts, predominantly from the telecom vendor Ericsson, and is
further supported by documentary and academic sources. The study reveals that a
new role, dubbed the 6G NTN Operator, is required for the provision of connectiv-
ity solutions for rural and remote areas, acting as a bridge between mobile network
operators and satellite network operators. In the case of autonomous flying taxis,
another new role is identified, dubbed the AAM Connectivity Operator. This actor
makes use of a combination of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network infrastructure
to provide a full connectivity solution for flying taxi operators and other advanced
air mobility actors. The findings underscore the necessity of collaborative efforts
among all parties in the value networks for the successful delivery of emerging con-
nectivity services, providing valuable insights for actors in the telecommunications
industry.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
telecommunication , terrestrial networks , non-terrestrial networks , 6G , flying taxi , remote connectivity , business models , value networks , business model canvas , revenue models