ABSTRACT
The extremely rapid evolution of new telecommunication technologies and services and its interaction with a complex socioeconomic environment, justifies the increasing interest in applying multi-criteria evaluation approaches in a wide variety of decision-making processes involved in network planning and design. After a brief overview of critical evolutions in telecommunication network technologies and services, an outline analysis of issues and difficulties concerning the applications of multi-criteria decision aiding/making (MCDA/M) in telecommunication network planning and design is described. Also the chapter highlights more relevant or recent contributions of this type in network design and planning models, including strategical and policy issues. Finally, an analysis and outline discussion of current and future research trends and challenges concerning the use of multi-criteria approaches in these areas is put forward.
