Telecom regulator Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) is in the works to purchase quality testing and monitoring tools/equipment for 5G. Ntc, the government-backed operator is set to start trials of the ultra-high-speed network in the next few weeks.
The system will assess the quality of voice, data, and SMS services using drive test tools.
The authority has called for international competitive bidding (ICB) to procure the mobile network benchmarking system for the supply, installation, and commissioning of the drive test of the quality monitoring system. As per this, willing companies shall apply for their interest by January 26 at Nta.
Even currently, NTA routinely conducts quality of services assessment through drive tests. But there are new frequencies in use for mobile services, and since 5G is going live for trials, the regulator is buying a new automated monitoring system.
In addition to the existing mobile networks, they seek testing and monitoring tools for 5G too. Also, 5G uses a different spectrum than 2G, 3G, and 4G. The system the authority uses right now is not capable enough to measure the network quality for 5G and that too for the new frequency spectrum. This is why it is procuring advanced equipment. Ntc is using 2600 MHz mid-band frequency for its 5G trials.
The new Drive test tool needs to be able to measure Coverage (Rx Level), Call setup, call drop, call quality, data download/upload, OTT testing, Ookla speed testing and do the post processing of the DT log files regularly for all mobile networks.
NTA is buying advanced quality testing equipment for 5G
Along with the equipment, a new van will also be purchased. It will help run mobile tests at various sites. As for places where transport won’t be feasible, backpacks will be used. The backpacks are able to run the test with a handset device UE in it.
The new system will be able to simultaneously run benchmarking tests of all three mobile networks in Nepal. At the same time, the system should be able to assess the RF overage of all cellular technology (2G, 3G, 4G,5G) of all telcos in a single drive test. Telecom operators Ntc, Ncell, and Smart Cell provide mobile services in Nepal.
Likewise, the regulator will procure a complete Automated Quality of Service (QoS) Monitoring and Benchmarking Tool that can test, benchmark, and report the QoS of all mobile networks in Nepal. The tools will be able to carry out measurement and post-processing of KPIs of 5G, with both FDD and TDD supported. The offered tools shall be
able to measure and process parameters of VoLTE, ViLTE, VoNR, Carrier Aggregation, and 4×4 MIMO.
Also read: 4G vs. 5G: Differences Between Two Mobile Networks
After Ntc, private operator Ncell is also eager to start its 5G services and is waiting for Nta’s green signal.
Are you eager to connect your device to the 5G network and enjoy its blistering mobile broadband speed? Do share in the comments below.
