The parametric cost estimation approach has proved to be an efficient method for analyzing complex systems such as spacecraft, missiles, ships, buildings, etc where cost varies according to a number of parameters. The cost to provision a telecom network also depends on a number of parameters; but little research effort has been applied to estimate cost using this approach. In estimating the cost of a telecom network, most published research has considered two parameters; distance and bandwidth of a link and ignored the effects of other parameters. We have modelled the cost based on distance, bandwidth, geographical terrain and technology simultaneously using a parametric cost estimation methodology applied to real data obtained from the Indian Telecom Company, BSNL. Using the model, we show how a cost optimized network can be designed given the real world constraints. The applicability of our model to determine revenue sharing mechanism for an international call is also demonstrated. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
