Work

Experiments of Quasi-Randomization Estimation for Official Statistics Based on Aggregated Mobile Network Operator Data

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the potentials of data from mobile network operators (MNOs), there exist no official statistics today that are produced from aggregated and anonymized mobile phone signaling data, which in principle are accessible in every country. In the lack of MNO data, we develop and conduct proof-of-concept experiments in Norway and Italy using statistical registers and sample survey data. Viable methods and potential complications are explored and analyzed, such that we are now prepared to negotiate access to MNO data for building the production solutions. Both the estimation methodology and our experimental approach to non-survey big data can be useful to others with similar statistical interests, whether the data arise from mobile phones, transactions, or other sources.

Source: Journal of Official Statistics

DOI: 10.1177/0282423x261460497

Authors: Li-Chun Zhang, Marcello D’Orazio, Jens Kristoffer Haug, Tiziana Tuoto, Johan Fosen

Institutions: Statistics Norway, University of Southampton, Istituto Nazionale di Statistica

Language: English

Topic: Survey Sampling and Estimation Techniques

Subfield: Statistics and Probability

Field: Mathematics

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Eurostat

Award: G2818632169