Cellular22.05.2014

Is SA’s mobile network quality good enough?

By Staff Writer

mobile network size MTN Cell C Vodacom Telkom

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) published its quarterly Quality of Service (QoS) Monitoring Test Reports, which showed that Vodacom, MTN and Cell C failed numerous quality tests in the Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.

The focus of the drive-test was on network performance in terms of accessibility and retention of voice calls. The metric used to measure the above were Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) and Drop Call Rate (DCR).

Vodacom’s network had the best CSSR, while MTN’s network had the best results in terms of DCR. Overall the Vodacom network performed the best.

Vodacom planning big investment

Vodacom, which fared the best in Icasa’s QoS testing, said that they have seen an improvement in the testing methodology from the regulator.

“We continue to support ICASA on refining the testing process in conjunction with the SABS,” said Vodacom.

Vodacom said that it is “not ideal” to see issues highlighted by these trials, but added that the company is using the data to pinpoint problem areas and make changes.

“Looking into the results, some of the problematic areas are in a nature reserve where no operators are allowed to build base stations,” Vodacom said.

“In one specific case (Worcester), the dropped call rate was 10x higher than recorded in the same site a day later and well outside the normal performance in that area, so we’re working on tracing the fault on that particular day.”

“I’m pleased to say that our overall network performance is running well ahead of the targets set by ICASA, and also ahead of our competitors,” said Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman.

Vodacom is protecting its network quality lead by ramping up its network investment.

“We aim to increase spend on the network in South Africa from an already high R6.9 billion in the last financial year to around R9 billion in the current financial year,” said Boorman.

“That’s an increase of roughly 30% and will have a significant impact on the reach, capacity and quality of our services.”

There was a problem with test monitoring system: MTN

MTN said that it has noted Icasa’s concern regarding the network performance by MTN in the test areas.

“MTN has established that there was a problem with the IVR test monitoring system which is managed by MTN and used by Icasa to run the QoS tests,” said Robin Maduray, MTN SA’s transmission planning and optimisation GM.

“MTN had informed Icasa of this test environment problem prior to ICASA publishing the report,” said Maduray.

MTN said that Icasa’s report does not necessarily reflect the true overall end-user experience currently being experienced by their customers in those areas.

“MTN would like to assure our customers that this was a test environment error only and it has been resolved,” said Maduray.

MTN said that it will continue to explore ways of improving the service they provide to subscribers.

“This year alone MTN is investing approximately R7.5 billion on infrastructure upgrades so as to further expand our network,” said Maduray.

Cell C comments on report

Cell C said that they are busy with the process of finalising an industry developed OoS monitoring methodology with Icasa, SABS and interested parties.

“In the absence of an industry recognised testing methodology, it is difficult to confirm the accuracy of the results,” said Cell C.

“Furthermore, the information related to these QoS reports has yet to be analysed before any further comments are made. Cell C has on previous occasions questioned the results of the Icasa reports due to the methods adopted by ICASA which are not yet SABS approved.”

Cell C said it continues to make intensive investment in its network with a planned R2.3 billion for CAPEX spend in 2014.

“The company has 318 additional sites planned for 2014. Additionally, Cell C is in the process of swapping the RAN equipment of around over 1,000 sites from NSN to Huawei in a three-phase process, which should see the first two phases conclude by November this year,” said Cell C.

“This will bring more stability into the network and increase the coverage. Transmission projects are also underway.”