Cellular15.08.2013

Cell C, MTN mum on poor network quality

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) published its latest Quality Of Service (QoS) monitoring test report, showing that Cell C and MTN’s network quality is below required standards in some regions.

The Icasa report showed that MTN and Cell C did not meet the target for Average Drop Call Rates (ADCR) in Johannesburg. Cell C did not meet the Average Call Set-up Success Rate (ACSSR) target in Pretoria.

According to the report, Vodacom had by far the best network. Its Average Call Set-up Success Rate (ACSSR) and Average Drop Call Rate (ADCR) were much better than the required standard in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

While the report paints a glowing picture of Vodacom’s network, the company is not endorsing it just yet.

Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman said that they are still in discussions with Icasa to better understand their testing methodology.

Vodacom is also working with the regulator to develop an approach that is “as accurate as possible in reflecting the real picture”.

“We understand that a number of improvements to the testing methodology have already been implemented,” said Boorman.

MTN was asked for comment about the report and the fact that it failed in some areas, but the operator did not respond by the time of publication.

Update from Cell C

Cell C said that it was not given an opportunity to comment on the testing methodology used by Icasa or the results published by Icasa prior to their publication.

“We are however engaging with Icasa regarding the testing methodology used by them to ensure that their results accurately reflect our network performance going forward. Cell C has however taken note of the network issues raised in the ICASA report,” said Cell C.

“In some cases there are issues beyond the company’s control, such as lack of seamless handover when using national roaming, which we are addressing with Vodacom and Icasa. We are experiencing high traffic volumes and we are actively upgrading the network to provide more capacity.”