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

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.