Operators could improve their cash returns if they create smart networks and add smart services to these networks, according to a report by mobile internet technology company Tellabs and tech consultancy STL Partners. With average return on network investment at 5.8 percent, the creation of smart networks using technology such as efficient network configuration, network security, device management, traffic shaping and multicast and content delivery networks, could net operators returns of 7.4 percent. Delivering smart services over these upgraded networks requires the implementation of new business models, and it is claimed that smart services have the ability to increase returns by a further 5.9 percent, from 7.4 percent to 13.3 percent.