Cellular13.08.2013

Network quality: Vodacom vs MTN vs Cell C

By Staff Writer

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) published its latest Quality Of Service (QoS) monitoring test reports for Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The QoS monitoring report in Johannesburg and Pretoria areas focused on Call Set-up Success Rate (CSSR) and Dropped Call Rate (DCR) in the tested areas.

For Retainability KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), which are expressed as Average Drop call rate (ADCR), in Johannesburg MTN and Cell C did not meet the target, compared to Pretoria where all network operators met the target.

In terms of Accessibility KPIs, which are expressed as Average Call Set-up Success Rate (ACSSR), in Johannesburg all network operators met the target, while in Pretoria Cell C did not meet the target.

Icasa highlighted that although some of the operators were able to meet the targets in specific areas, the voice quality was not measured.

“In some areas where the received signal levels were below the average, it could affect the customer’s experience during the voice call,” said Icasa.

In summary, the following were identified with regards to signal levels:

The areas with poor received signal level with regards to the MTN network were Tembisa, Pretoria CBD, and Mabopane.
The areas with poor received signal level with regards to the Cell C network were Johannesburg CBD, and Atteridgeville.

Johannesburg average call setup success rate

Johannesburg dropped call rate

Pretoria call setup success rate

Pretoria drop call rate

The test methodology adopted provides a snapshot view of the operators Quality of Service, giving a realistic picture of network performance from a user’s point of view.

The drive test results do not represent the mobile service provider’s overall network performance, and are based on the specified routes during the time of day when the measurements were carried out and using a particular type of handset.

Quality of service is the collective effect of service performance which determines the degree of satisfaction of a user of the service – the capability of a network to provide a quality service to selected network traffic over various technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

The purpose of publishing these reports is to enable consumers to make informed choices when selecting a service provider based on their network quality, identify short-comings in the services offered by the three major mobile operators, and thereby promote redress in the interest of the public.