Mobile operators could double their cash returns by simply following current network strategies, according to a new study commissioned by Tellabs and undertaken by STL Partners. The report claims that cash returns on invested capital are typically lower than 6 per cent for mobile operators, broadly in line with utility company stocks, but could be more than doubled to over 13 per cent by delivering smart services. To achieve this, the STL study calls for operators to move from current practices--such as relatively dumb networks and one-sided business model--to full service offerings with smart services enabled by smart networks. This will require, according to the report, changes to existing mobile infrastructure to boost the awareness and intelligence of networks, as well as working to develop new services. The report finds that more intelligent networks can increase the cash return on investments for mobile operators by 1.6 per cent, up from 5.8 per cent to 7.4 per cent, while implementing new business models and smart services will provide a further 5.9 per cent, up from 7.4 per cent to 13.3 per cent. Release