Why outsource 3G network optimisation?

Building the capabilities and resources necessary to effectively apply modern optimisation techniques to a 3G network takes time. New systems and tools
mean a steep learning curve, and strong competition for experienced, productive staff extends the delay. Unfortunately in the present race for 3G launch and market share, time is the one resource that is in even shorter supply than money.

Outsourcing network optimisation tasks can bridge the capability gap in the short term, enabling a faster time to a quality market launch, and allows an operator to learn the skills and acquire the toolset knowledge needed to optimise a network themselves in the longer term, without losing months during a vital period for customer acquisition.

How much time can be saved?

Using traditional techniques involving drive testing and trial and error, many companies take several months to examine and reconfigure a radio network. Using the latest automatic optimisation toolsets that support the end-to-end optimisation process, and experienced staff, this timeframe can literally be cut by as much as 80%.

Can these time gains be proven?

Yes. As an example, Actix Radioplan recently optimised a medium sized national 3G network at the pre-launch stage on behalf of the operator. Using Actix Radioplan’s automatic optimization tools and just 2 members of staff, the Actix Radioplan team was able to optimise an entire country in under 4 weeks, including planning and drive test data import, identification and correction of planning and installation errors, analysis of existing grade of service, automatic optimisation on all major urban areas, delivery of network reconfiguration data, delivery of works orders, and delivery of a detailed management report of 150 pages to C-level executives.

A joint presentation by Actix Radioplan and Vodafone at a Network Optimisation conference in Nice described the benefits of outsourcing. A copy of that paper may be downloaded from the link provided at the bottom of this page.

What else does the network gain?

Typical gains from 3G optimisation projects include lower interference levels, which drive improved capacity from the same network and a higher grade of service. In plain terms, this means fewer blocked calls, fewer dropped calls, better handover success rates, and longer handset battery life. These KPIs drive positive word of mouth, higher uptake of subscriptions and increased use of reliable connections for value added data services, while helping delay infrastructure expenditure and improving operational efficiency.

Do these projects have a positive NPV?

In one recent outsourced optimisation project Actix Radioplan helped the operator calculate the subscriber level required to generate a positive NPV, given a specific improvement in blocked call rates. radioplan found that the benefits produced by outsourced optimisation projects generate very positive NPVs if just 1% of the existing customer base rolled over to 3G.