ARCEP releases accuracy audit of GSM coverage maps (France)
French telecommunications regulator ARCEP has released the results of its 2010 audits to verify the accuracy of GSM coverage maps published by mobile network operators Orange France, SFR and Bouygues Telecom.
Field surveys have been used each year since operators began publishing coverage maps in 2007. Arcep found a 98% level of accuracy in last year’s maps and explained that 100% accuracy is very difficult to achieve, notably due to uncontrollable variations in radio propagation. Last year the figure was 96%.
The tests require an at least 95% success rate in making and maintaining a call from a fixed position with a standard handset for 1 minute.
The regulator found that although the reliability of the maps is generally good at the national level, it still needs to be improved in certain municipalities, and has reminded operators of the need to correct the published maps. Audits to be performed in by the end of October will include 286 new municipalities.
Arcep says GSM coverage maps consistent & 96.5% accurate (France)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Arcep, the French telecoms watchdog publishes the results of the 2008 survey it conducted on the reliability of GSM coverage maps provided by the mobile operators Orange France, SFR and Bouygues Telecom. The regulator’s audit has reported that the maps are accurate and consistent with more than 96.5% of measurements made in the field. The reliability is considered to be good at national level, but needs to be improved in certain areas. In regards to these areas, Arcep requests operators to revise the maps for 2009. The watchdog has also set out in its decision No 2009-0200 (dated 10 March 2009), a new list of 251 townships to be audited by operators in the 2009. The investigation should be completed by late October 2009, with results made available in early 2010.
