Salisu Garba, Idris Muhammad Chiromawa and Abdulhakeem Olayiwola

Keywords: GSM; signal strength level; coverage level; Sule Lamido University; quality of service; NCC threshold

Abstract

Modern advancements in mobile and communication technology have created a wealth of educational opportunities. Improved Quality of Service (QoS) will be required as new mobile technologies are introduced. This paper performed a comparative study of Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM) network Coverage at Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa. The main contribution of this work is the determination of a better GSM operators’ network coverage amongst the three available operators (Airtel, Globacom, and MTN) and clearly mapping out the areas on campus that have better Received Signal Strength (RSS) and efficient network coverage. This is achieved by an experimental research method specifically RF (Radio Frequency) Walk Test to measure the RSS and the coverage of the three GSM service providers in eight strategic locations of the University, unlike other approaches thus farwhich rely on the opinion of the users obtained through a questionnaire. To evaluate the results, many KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) such as Signal Strength Level (SSL), Coverage Level (CL), Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Call Drop Rate (CDR), Handover Success Rate (HOSR), etc. were used based on the approved guidelines provided by the NCC (Nigeria Communications Commission). During the period under review, it was found that only MTN meet the minimum requirements of the NCC’s threshold of signal strength and coverage levels in a few instances, while, Airtel and Glo’s couldn’t satisfying the standard. Thus, this work is useful as it will help the university community to attain a better GSM service, and help the GSM providers for continuous service improvement.