Performance Evaluation of Key Performance Indicators for UMTS Networks in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

For appropriate regulation and quality assurance, continuous monitoring of cellular network services is necessary. A drive test measurement was carried out in Calabar, to investigate four UMTS networks, taking cognizance of Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Handover Success Rate (HOSR), Call Setup Time (CST), Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) and Signal-to-Interference Ratio (Ec/Io). The collected data was analyzed and the obtained results was compared with the performance threshold levels of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). The four networks had excellent CST, with MTN leading, followed by Airtel, then 9mobile and Globacom. For CSSR, Airtel had excellent performance, as there was no blocked call. This was followed by MTN and Globacom. 9mobile failed in CSSR as it was below the NCC recommended benchmark. There was no drop call in Airtel, MTN and 9mobile, but Globacom’s performance was below the recommended threshold for dropped calls. For HOSR, the four networks showed excellent performance as they were able to handover calls between cells, as recommended by NCC. Considering the RSCP, the four networks displayed excellent services as subscribers experienced good voice and data services. However, the four networks had poor coverage quality (Ec/Io), the worst, being displayed by MTN. This shows that the equipment capability of the networks is low. The network operators are advised to monitor their services often, so as to optimize their networks for a better Quality of Service (QoS).

Analysis of some weather variables' impacts on UHF and VHF receivers in Yenagoa Southern, Nigeria

“…3. This could be explained by the fact that the mean sea level pressure also has a significant impact on atmospheric activities [14,16,21]. The signal strength from both the UHF and VHF television stations was observed in Fig.…”

“…Figure 2 Monthly Variation of Signal Strength Figures 3, 4, and 5 correspondingly depict the link between the UHF and VHF television stations' signal strengths and the corresponding meteorological variables (mean sea level pressure, temperature and relative humidity).The variation pattern for the signals from both the UHF and VHF television stations with the mean sea level pressure were not that defined, as can be seen from Fig.3. This could be explained by the fact that the mean sea level pressure also has a significant impact on atmospheric activities[14,16,21].…”

Statistical analysis of call setup success rate for 4 g networks in yenagoa-southern Nigeria

“…A low CSSR could have several causes [10,22], some of which include the following: o Network Congestion: This is an important factor that greatly affects the call setup success rate. This phenomenon, which results in delays, packet loss, and a decline in service quality, happens when the demand for network resources exceeds the capacity that is available [23].…”

Service System Innovation and Competitiveness In an Emerging Market: The Moderating Role of Managerial Competencies

“…For instance, most mobile line subscribers often experience high rates of drop calls, while data services and the network are poor in most localities (Adegoke, Babalola & Balogun, 2008;Agu, Acha & Anyanwu, 2013;Uesoo, 2021). Also, subscribers complain about not being able to use the internet services even after data subscription (Kiyea, 2014;Ibekwe, et al, 2019;Ekah & Iloke, 2022). Other manifestations of the poor quality of the services include clients being charged for calls that did not connect and frequent network congestion (Abdulkareem, et al, 2020;Ekah & Iloke, 2022).…”

“…Also, subscribers complain about not being able to use the internet services even after data subscription (Kiyea, 2014;Ibekwe, et al, 2019;Ekah & Iloke, 2022). Other manifestations of the poor quality of the services include clients being charged for calls that did not connect and frequent network congestion (Abdulkareem, et al, 2020;Ekah & Iloke, 2022). Furthermore, the operating costs of telecommunications companies increased from N319.9 billion in 2019 to N327 billion (2.2 percent increase) in 2020.…”