The future of telecommunications operator alliances

This paper deals with the issue of telecommunications operator alliances, and their relevance from the point of view of globalization. Considering the importance of symmetries in theoretical physics, we try to use a standard principle of symmetry, which can be simply translated in 'homogenisation of socioeconomic space', a new concept which encompasses the convergence of social trends and economics. After studying telecommunications liberalisation in the US, in EU and in Japan, and analysing the forces engendered by the homogenisation of socioeconomic space, we conclude that telecommunications operators will have to review their alliances strategy to match this ongoing movement. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.