Strategy and Business Planning
Developing a strategy that drives success in a sector subject to relentless technological change requires decades of experience and expertise.
Coleago’s approach to strategic business planning is founded on a deep understanding of network economics and underpinned by rigorous analysis and network modelling
In the mature yet highly competitive and standards-driven world of the telecoms industry, where differentiation is elusive and scale a critical driver of success, a pragmatic and achievable strategy becomes paramount. Coleago Consulting stands out from other consulting firms as we only deliver projects with a team of dedicated telecoms professionals, each with a minimum of 20 years of experience. Much of the experience has been gained at CxO and Ministerial level. Our deep understanding of telecoms networks, coupled with our experience-based approach, sets us apart in navigating these challenges and developing effective strategies and achievable business plans.
Learn more
Contact us to receive a detailed description of Coleago’s strategy and business planning services.
Get in touchOur recent work
Coleago’s recent strategy work has seen us support a number of fixed and wireless operators in developing their strategy and business plans. Often, the strategy we developed has been reflected in the preparation of a beauty parade business plan for a bid book, which is often the basis upon which some regulators assign valuable radio spectrum. Graham Friend, co-author of the award winning, “Economist Guide to Business Planning” and the leader of Coleago’s strategy and business planning practice, has an unrivalled track record in beauty parades as his clients have never lost a competition in more than 20 years.
Our strategy and business planning work also support clients in relation to:
- M&A activities through commercial and technical due diligence.
- Debt and equity fundraising through the development of compelling investor stories.
- Market liberalisation and privatisations.
Why Choose Us?
What sets us apart?
- Experience-based approach: Our team, each with a minimum of 20 years of experience, ensure that our strategies and plans are rooted in real-world knowledge and insights.
- Deep understanding of telecoms networks: With a profound understanding of telecoms networks and a suite of industry-leading network and business modelling tools, our plans are underpinned by empirical evidence and rigorous analysis.
- Practical focus: We focus on practicality, ensuring that our strategies and plans can be executed with confidence.
- Story telling: We have developed a unique story-telling approach to presenting business plans which is engaging, compelling and convincing.
In an era defined by slow growth but intense competition and rapid technological change, strategy is more vital than ever. Coleago offers strategy solutions honed over two decades of telecoms leadership. We bring unrivalled capabilities and experience to every engagement. Our strategy consultants empower you to navigate change, uncertainty, and growth with confidence.
Benefits
Here are just some of the ways that our clients can benefit from our strategy and business planning service.
Industry Expertise
We possess an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the telecommunications industry and strive to stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and best practices within the sector. Our expertise allows us to provide tailored strategies that leverage industry-specific opportunities and mitigate risks.
Customised Solutions
We analyse the specific needs and challenges of our clients to develop customised goal-aligned strategies. Taking into account factors like market competition, consumer behaviour, technological advancements, and operational efficiencies, we tailor solutions to optimise business processes, enhance service offerings, and improve overall performance.
Optimisation and Future-Proofing
Strategic planning helps clients optimise their operations and infrastructure, maximising network efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. We help ensure that plans are future-proofed and adaptable, helping clients stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Reference projects
Mascom Botswana: Coleago supported the executive management team at Mascom in developing a beauty parade bid book which resulted in the company gaining new spectrum which delivered a significant competitive advantage.
Pakistan: Coleago developed a fibre business plan as part of a due diligence process. Our business planning revealed fundamental issues and challenges within the target and the approach was abandoned resulting in the avoidance of value destroying acquisition.
MTN Uganda: Coleago supported the CTIO and management team in preparing a technical and commercial business plan as part of an application for new spectrum in a beauty parade process. MTN was successfully awarded is preferred portfolio of spectrum.
Government of Ethiopia: Coleago, in association with the IFC, supported the Government of Ethiopia in the liberalisation of the Ethiopian telecoms market. Our business planning support was instrumental in introducing the Safaricom consortium to the market.
MTN South Africa: We worked alongside the MTN team to prepare a strategy and business plan as part of the regulator’s spectrum award process. The MTN submission was scored most highly in the qualitative assessment and the company went on to secure a valuable portfolio of spectrum assets.
Our people
Graham Friend
Managing DirectorGraham Friend is the co-founder and Managing Director of Coleago, where he focuses on strategic business planning, valuation, auction bidding strategy and regulatory issues.
Stefan Zehle
Chairman and CEOStefan is the CEO and the co-founder of Coleago Consulting. He has been working in telecoms since 1987 with experience in over 65 countries. Stefan is a director of a start-up mobile operator, and an expert in spectrum valuation and licensing.
Julian Garrett
Managing ConsultantJulian is a highly experienced telecommunications professional with over 25 years of leadership in mobile network innovation and transformation, with a track record spanning 19 countries.
Our clients
Rogers
Rogers Communications Inc. is a Canadian communications and media company operating primarily in the fields of wireless communications, cable television, telephony and Internet, with significant additional telecommunications and mass media assets. Rogers has its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.
MTN
Africa’s largest mobile network operator with 272 million customers in 19 markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Other services
Spectrum Valuation and Pricing
Spectrum valuation, spectrum auction benchmarking, spectrum pricing and spectrum auction reserve prices.
Spectrum Auction Bidding Strategy and Auction Design
Coleago has worked extensively with a wide range of mobile operators to help them achieve their auction objectives whilst minimising their exposure to risk.
Strategic Spectrum Review
Coleago Strategic Spectrum Review identifies opportunities for optimising existing spectrum holdings and predicts future spectrum requirements to ensure that operators have a robust spectrum, technology and regulatory engagement strategy.
Telecoms Regulation
Coleago understands the strategic aspects of telecoms regulation and the long-term impact on the business and a country’s economy.
Transaction Services
Coleago’s transaction services focus on commercial and technical due diligences for telecom businesses and investors as well as information memoranda for sellers.
Training and Management Development for Telecoms Companies
At Coleago, we specialise in leveraging our unparalleled insight and expertise in telecoms to provide organisations and telecoms professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving industry landscape.
