Background
Consumers
take a number of factors into account when buying and using
a mobile phone. The ability to make a successful call is one
such factor.
To assist
consumers, the four mobile network operators, working together
with OFTEL and consumer groups, have published the results of
the individual operators’ network surveys of call success
rates(1). The survey
shows the percentage of test calls connected and completed successfully,
percentages of dropped calls and failed set-ups, both nationally
and regionally. These figures are the results of each mobile
network operators’ survey of its own network during the
period October 1999 – March 2000. Some of the companies
also surveyed the others’ networks in parallel to this
process. The results of these surveys can be viewed via the
web links below or through the contacts listed.
In order
to cover a wide range of locations, data was compiled from vehicles
– using roof mounted aerials and automatic call generation
equipment to make test calls – driving routes on major
roads and population centres during the normal working day.
The drivers of the vehicles did not make calls.
Scope
The mobile
network operators undertook their own drive round surveys, making
a minimum of 20,000 test calls between 1 October 1999 and 31
March 2000. Seventy towns and cities plus major ‘A’ roads and
motorways were surveyed throughout the UK(2).
Measurements
were made using an agreed set of routes although the same routes
were not necessarily driven in the towns and cities. The roads
were driven Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 am and 8
pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
Customers
should note that the survey results are limited by a number
of factors, including the nature and location of the tests employed.
The results should not be seen as recommended best buys and
should not, therefore, be relied upon when making purchase decisions.
Consumers’ own experience may differ from the reported
level of service depending on factors such as the handset and
equipment being used, geographic location and time of day.
Furthermore,
when making a purchase decision, consumers should also take
into account other factors including price of handset, connection
charge, call tariffs, claimed coverage, service features, terms
and conditions and indeed any other factors which individuals
consider relevant to their needs.
The quoted
performance figures are not directly comparable due to the tolerances
inherent in the survey specification. The operators together
with OFTEL and consumer groups, are currently working to further
improve the methodology, comparability, and accuracy of the
survey approach used.
(1)
Reference to "call success rates" refers to the test
equipment’s ability to set up and hold a call for two minutes.
This measure does not give a figure for the audio quality of
the call.
(2)
One2One did not survey Northern Ireland due to having no commercially
available network within the region during the time of the survey.
