Telephone, Internet, TV Comparing operators Network coverage

Network coverage

The BIPT carries out various measurement campaigns and studies regarding mobile network performance and coverage. These initiatives each have different purposes and use different measurement methods. As a result, their outcomes cannot be compared.

Please see below for an overview of these initiatives.

Mobile Atlas (BIPT Data Portal)

  Mobile Atlas (BIPT Data Portal)
Subject Expected Mobile Network Coverage – Quality of Service (QoS).
Purpose Publication of coverage maps showing mobile signal presence on Belgian territory in order to provide users with the opportunity to make informed choices.
Method Presentation of expected signal coverage based on data provided by the operators. After spot checks by the BIPT (road tests), the data is compiled into the Atlas, showing the coverage in optimal circumstances with no network load.

Since many factors influence the mobile signal (landscape elements, structures it must penetrate, possible network saturation, the type of device used, etc.), the actual signal strength experienced by users at specific locations may differ from that indicated in the Atlas.
Indicators
  • A detailed grid-based map indicates mobile signal presence and its strength (no signal, satisfactory, good or very good) for each operator and technology.
  • Another, zone-based map shows mobile signal presence based on coverage (0 to 100%), by territory, population or household, for each operator and technology.
Frequency Half-yearly.
Tools The BIPT publishes these results as map material on its Data Portal (Geographical coverage of mobile networks).

This tool helps users to make better informed choices regarding their operator. The underlying data is also available on the Data Portal.

The Mobile Atlas shows network coverage for each operator.

Mobile Network Quality Monitoring (Network Quality Testing)

  Mobile Network Quality Monitoring (Network Quality Testing)
Subject Quality of Experience (QoE).
Purpose Gain insight into the actual performance of mobile networks as experienced by the users.
Method Tests performed with identical commercial smartphones in different user environments:
  • In a moving car on urban, suburban, rural and national routes.
  • On selected train lines, inside the carriages.
  • In selected shopping centres.

The actual user experience may vary for each user as it is affected by different factors, such as the type of device, the number of concurrent users, and the specific location and environment.
Indicators Performance measurement of mobile networks using several practical indicators for voice and data services:
  • Voice: we measure whether calls are established smoothly, how quickly they are established and whether they are established without interruption and with good sound quality.
  • Data: we measure the speed, reliability, and user experience when using mobile data (e.g. downloading and uploading files, web browsing, video streaming, and messaging).
Frequency Annually.
Tools The BIPT publishes on its website the results of the ‘Network Quality Tests’ in a report.

The BIPT publishes these results on its Data Portal as well.

Monitoring of mobile operators’ legal obligations regarding population /railway line coverage (700 MHz RD)

  Monitoring of mobile operators’ legal obligations regarding population /railway line coverage (700 MHz RD)
Subject Measured mobile network coverage – Quality of Service (QoS).
Purpose Monitoring of the imposed coverage of the Belgian population as well as the presence of a minimum speed of 10 Mbit/s outside the train for 98% of the locations on the 15 lines selected by the Royal Decree of 28 November 2021 on radio access in the 700 MHz frequency band
Method Tests using specialized measuring equipment:
  • Installed on top of trains to carry out measurements at pre-determined railway lines measuring points.
  • Installed on measuring vehicles to carry out road tests on the Belgian road network.

These tests only verify whether the coverage obligation imposed on mobile operators by the Royal Decree is met. They do not measure the mobile data user experience.
Indicators Taking into account all available frequencies, for each 700 MHz operator:
  • The average download speed for the mobile networks along the railway lines concerned is measured.
  • The progressive coverage of the Belgian population is measured.
Frequency Annually.

 

Documents

Link (s)

Back to top