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Radio Quality Assurance Scheme - Specific Guidance Note (RQAS SGN/C.05) Issue 2: May 1999 |
This SGN should be read in conjunction with the general guidance given in Part B of The Quality System Guide.
Where the Network Operator also acts as a Service Provider, or designs and develops mobile radio networks, or installs or maintains infrastructure, or provides equipment to the general public then separate Specific Guidance Notes apply to these activities.
This SGN relates to the operation of civil land mobile radio networks. Firms successfully meeting the criteria of this guidance note will be registered as members of the RQAS under the registration:-
"RQAS SGNIC.05 - Operation of Civil Land Mobile Radio Networks2 (as identified in the certificate of Registration).
For the purpose of this Specific Guidance Note the following definitions apply:-
"Cellular Radio Telephone Network"
Those networks licensed to provide a Cellular Mobile Communications service for resale under the 1984 Telecommunications Act."Commercial Trunked Radio Network"
Those networks licensed to provide a Commercial Trunked Radio Communications service for resale under the 1984 Telecommunications Act. This includes services operating in Band III spectrum and services known as Public Access Mobile Radio (PAMR)."Personal Communications Network (PCN)"
Those networks licensed to provide a Personal Telecommunications service for resale under the 1984 Telecommunications Act."Wide Area Paging Network"
Those networks licensed to provide a Wide Area Paging service for resale under the 1984 Telecommunications Act."Data Network"
Those networks licensed to provide a data communication service for resale under the 1984 Telecommunications Act."Private Mobile Radio Network"
System available to closed user groups, which does not normally provide interconnection with the public switched telephone network, unless specified in the schedule to the licence."Network Operator"
The operator licensed to provide a civil land mobile radio network."Network Services"
Includes all services provided and charges made by the Network Operator to the Service Provider for connection, subscription and calls via the network."Network Affecting Faults"
Those faults which would cause a service quality degradation to the Subscriber as a result of problems in the networks. This excludes faults relating to the mobile equipment or its installation."Other Network Operators"
Any other Network Operator, including other PTOs providing voice or data interconnection to the network."PTO"
A PTO is a public telecommunications operator."Service Providers"
The intermediaries between the Network Operator and the Subscribers, responsible for the direct commercial interface with the Subscriber. They may also be called "Accredited Retailers" on Cellular Networks."Subscriber"
Normally the customer of the Service Provider who subscribes to the network service."Radio Units"
The mobile or fixed mobile radio equipment that conforms to appropriate type approvals for connection to licensed networks (the handset)."Roaming"
A facility whereby a Subscriber to one licensed network may roam onto another.
The network operator should define the scope of the network services being supplied.
The network operator should define the level of support provided to the service provider.
Target levels for network performance should be set by the network operator and the quality of service defined. Performance of the network should be monitored as required to ensure that the targeted quality of service is maintained.
A procedure should exist for the selection and review of service providers.
The network operator should define the method of obtaining from the service provider any information necessary to comply with the 1984 Telecommunications Act requirements.
Reference Documents
It is the responsibility of the quality system manager to ensure that the most up to date versions of specifications, codes of practice and other documents relevant to the service are followed and referenced in the firm's quality system. In particular, you will need to be aware of relevant MPT Specifications and Codes of Practice and ETSI Standards for the land mobile radio service, full details of which are published by the Radiocommunications Agency in three information sheets. Copies are available from the Radiocommunications Agency Library at the address given on the front page of this document:
- RA 108 List of Specifications for Land Mobile Radio Services (MPT 1300 series)
- RA 275 Status of Land Mobile Radio Specifications (MPT 1300 series)
- RA 279 List of ETSI Standards for Land Mobile Radio Services (ETSI 300 series)
Terms & conditions of supply; billing
The network operator will demonstrate that adequate resources are made available, with appropriate defined responsibilities, systems and procedures for:
- defining the terms and conditions of supply of network services to the service provider;
- network service contract administration and billing;
- providing a service provider contact point for billing enquiries.
Control of Information
Evidence should be available demonstrating adequate disbursement and control of information throughout the network operator's organisation. Any legal constraints affecting such information should be made available to network operator staff in order that they may act accordingly. Any information held should be used in accordance with the Data Protection Act requirements.
Maintenance of the Network
There should be formal procedures for the planning, installation, configuration control and maintenance of the complete network.
Documentation should be kept constantly in step with the latest state of the network.
Maintenance of service should be supported by access to an adequate stock of spare parts and/or replacement items specifically maintained for such eventualities.
Provision of services
The network operator should demonstrate that adequate resources are made available, with appropriate personnel, interfaces and procedures to:
- support the service provider with basic technical training relating to the appropriate network services;
- provide the service provider with appropriate information relating to network affecting faults, scheduled maintenance work and network developments;
- assist the service provider in his dealings with subscriber reported problems which appear to be network caused.
Supporting Subscriber Enquiries
The network operator should operate a system to process subscriber enquiries, staffed to provide this service in a timely, accurate and responsive manner.
Where relevant to the network operator, this system should cover, for example:-
- directory enquiries;
- operator services;
- services and facilities available;
- network coverage;
- information on distribution channels.
Technical Back-up
The network operator should be able to demonstrate a level of technical support to subscribers commensurate with the range of services and facilities which it offers.
Radio Unit Acceptance for Band III Spectrum Networks only
The network operator should operate procedures for the connection acceptance of radio units to the network.
Procedures should exist to ensure that any changes to either the radio unit or the network do not impair the quality of service offered to the end user.
Network to Network Complaints
There should be formal procedures for handling any interface related problems with other network operators.
Service Provider Complaints
There should be formal procedures, which are to be provided to service providers upon request, giving the methods by which such complaints as they may have against the network operator are to be handled.
Subscriber Complaints
There should be formal procedures for the control and action of complaints raised by subscribers for reference back to the subscriber's service provider.
Radiocommunications Quality Council
Enquiries about the RQAS should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Radiocommunications Quality Council
c/o Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SXTel: 020-7211 0193
Fax: 020-7211 0118
Copies of all RA publications can be obtained from:
The Library
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SXTel: 020-7211 0502/0505 (24 hour answerphone)
Fax: 020 7-211 0507website: www.radio.gov.uk
This guide may be freely reproduced as a complete document except for sale or advertising purposes.
Published on behalf of the Radiocommunications Quality Council by the Radiocommunications Agency, an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry
RA 318
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