Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has demanded clarification from state-backed telecom operator Nepal Telecom (Ntc) and private company Ncell Axiata over underperforming mobile network quality in Ratnanagar, Bagmati Province.
Judging the network quality from its criteria, the authority has also asked the two to optimize their network within 2 months and inform the stakeholders. NTA found both Ntc and Ncell’s mobile network quality falling short of the criteria as preferred in the Telecommunication Quality Bylaw 2073.
The test evaluated Nepal Telecom and Ncell’s voice and data services using its various parameters.
More from the latest NTA Drive Test: Mobile Call Quality Subpar in Kathmandu
Nta wants clarification after Ratnanagar area’s mobile network quality comes short
Besides clarification, NTA has also demanded that Ntc and Ncell both improve their mobile network quality in Ratnanagar. It has directed the telcos to keep it informed about the network improvement as well.
NTA conducts routine check-ups of mobile network operators (MNOs) and encourages companies to better their services. The authority calls them drive test with which it checks up on how the telco’s mobile network is operating. Telcos do perform such drive tests on their own regularly for network optimization and also for the submission of such reports to NTA. Voice and data services are evaluated in these tests using dedicated equipment. Don’t miss: Causes of Mobile & Internet Network Outage
According to the report by NTA, Ncell’s Voice Call Setup Time data stood at 5.52 seconds against the preferred threshold of <=5. While Nepal Telecom’s Voice Call Setup Time also came short at 5.89 seconds, which is also a thin crossing of the threshold.
Similarly, the NTA report shows that the 4G coverage with better RSRP values needs to be improved for both Ntc and Ncell.
Despite 4G with Carrier Aggregation and 5G preparation, the mobile network continues to under-perform to this day. But it can also be down to environmental issues (like vegetation, terrains, etc), not just equipment, and maintenance. However, quality must be assured for paying customers.
NTA’s drive tests help not only to assess carriers’ mobile service quality but also compel them to improve. In Nepal, mobile users have access to 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks. While most areas have now got access to 4G broadband networks, many in remote parts are limited to legacy networks. But despite progress in telecommunication, network quality still shows to be in want of attention. Check out: Factors Affecting 4G Speed in Nepal
How is the mobile network quality of service (QoS) in your area on Ntc and Ncell’s mobile network? Do share in the comment section below.
