Optimizing the internal reuse of wireless network equipment

Abstract

Reusing high-value wireless network equipment can allow telecommunications providers to achieve both financial and environmental benefits. However, without standardized processes and tools to reuse equipment, the reuse process can be highly inefficient and a significant amount of reusable equipment may remain in inventory. This thesis examines the reuse of wireless network equipment at Verizon Wireless (VzW) and presents tools and processes to increase the amount and efficiency of network equipment reuse within VzW. An analytical model is presented to differentiate between items that can be reused and items that should be immediately resold or scrapped. Once a pool of reusable items is identified, incentives to promote equipment sharing across internal VzW regions are discussed. A web-based tool and process to increase the ease and speed of identifying and requesting equipment is then examined. Finally, a framework by which reuse metrics can be evaluated is presented.