Agent Jones – Scrutinising an influential study

Scrutinising an influential study

This report by Nera Economic Consultants was a detailed response to a Finnish study of price comparisons in the mobile industry.

Finland’s leading telecommunications consultancy has published the ‘Digital Fuel Monitor’ since 2014. It’s an international comparison of mobile wireless prices in the 28 member states of the European Union and the 34 member states of the OECD.

The study received considerable attention from the media and public advocacy groups, and its rankings were used as economic evidence to inform policy and regulatory debates around the globe.

But to investigate whether it could be relied upon, this study needed further scrutiny. TELUS, a Canadian operator, hired NERA to examine the statistical rigour of the Finnish telecoms company report. The goal was to evaluate the study’s assertions as a benchmark for international retail prices for mobile wireless services, and each country’s competitive ranking in this arena.

Download the Report

Problem

Reports on the telecommunications industry are complex enough to begin with – so reporting on an existing report adds extra layers of difficulty.

The content needed to clearly present the original Finnish report’s findings, as well as the new TELUS conclusions. To be conclusive, it needed to examine each questionable assertion of the original study and present clear comparative counter-arguments based on new, independently sourced data.

Heavy on statistics and full of necessary detail, this report could easily have made for very dry reading. In addition, the critical nature of the report could have come across as antagonistic, so needed careful design to ensure its insights came through clearly, without a negative edge.

Problem

Reports on the telecommunications industry are complex enough to begin with – so reporting on an existing report adds extra layers of difficulty.

Solution

We presented the content with readability in mind, highlighting key messages and guiding the audience through the various points. Visually generous layouts made the data far easier to digest and remember, and we simplified reams of comparative data by using a unified design system throughout. Empathetic design presented the findings in an accessible, non-partisan way, allowing the meaning to cut through without being misinterpreted as confrontational.

Solution

Challenging ideas, presented with empathy

Scrutinising an influential study

Problem

Problem

Solution

Solution

Get your messages seen, and shared