ForHacSec

The BBC is launching aUKwide 3G data service survey to see exactly what the true coverage map looks like via a Android app.

Many service providers provide their own map of coverage forUKto there existing and potential customers. However this will be the firstUKwide completely independent survey carried out by the BBC.

The survey will be conducted by Independent Android users using the Google Android platform handsets and downloading an application from theAndroid Market Place.

To download the app search ‘UK 3G Survey’ for the app created by Epitiro Ltd or scan the QR code below using a ‘Barcode’ scanning app available on the Android Market Place.

The software can be downloaded by anyone with an Android handset and will record street level coverage acrossBritain.

There is no iPhone app at present, because of the difficulty in making Apple devices collect such information in the background while other programmes are running.

Once the application is installed it will measure data services available to the handset in question at that time and place. The results can be seen via the menu button and choosing ‘My Results’.

One thing we have noticed at ForHacSec is should you wish ‘amend’ the results it is possible to change the phones mobile network settings and how the UK3G Survey’ applications detects coverage by switching between GSM/WCDMA auto – WCDMA only and GSM only modes.

At the end of the test period, the BBC aims to display the results on a clickable map.

“Coverage is the number one issue for consumers,” said Gavin Johns, chief executive of Epitiro.

According to Ofcom, there are over 12 million smartphones being used around theUKand a good service is crucial for the web browsing that more and more people demand from their handsets.

“Our coverage app will provide the information consumers need to see if 3G services are available and from which mobile operator. As mobile broadband is important to many of us, we hope people volunteer and make the project a success,” said Mr Johns.

Most people have an anecdote about poor mobile coverage and it depends on a variety of factors including whether the user is indoors or out and what time of day they are using the network.

When a phone connects to high-speed 3G broadband services it will typically display a 3G or H symbol by the signal bars. TheUK’s average mobile download speed is 1.5Mbit/s. In areas of good 3G coverage, that figure rises to 2.1Mbit/s.

Alternative technologies include EDGE, which has a maximum speed of 0.3Mbit/s. Phones typically display an E symbol when using the system.

When consumers get a circle or ‘o’ symbol it is unlikely that broadband services will work satisfactorily, regardless of the number of signal strength bars.

You can also see what speeds you are actually getting by downloading the ‘Speedtest.net’ app by Ookla from the Google Android Market Place. This will tell you your upload and download speeds at that point in time.

Switching from 2G to 3G can make a dramatic difference to data speed

Coverage is an issue that regulator Ofcom describes as a priority. It estimates that in terms of land mass, 91% of theUKhas 2G coverage and 76% has 3G coverage.

It is conducting its own tests onUKmobile notspots – areas of low or no service. The research is due to be published later this year.

A consultant report, commissioned by Ofcom stated: “More information on coverage is required, and this should be in a standardised format enabling comparison between operator services such that users can make an informed decision about coverage in their area.

“Whilst postcode-based checkers go some way to this, their accuracy is limited to the point at which they have limited value.”

O2’s chief technology officer Nigel Purdy agrees that the current coverage checkers which rely on predictive modelling are not entirely accurate.

His company, along with other operators, conducts its own, more in-depth tests – including drive-bys – to see what coverage is like in a particular area and to plan where to place new base stations.

The challenge is “to get that data in a format for easy access for our customers,” he said.

A similar project to map mobile signal strength globally has been carried out by opensignalmaps.

Building blocks

Operator 3 is calling for change in the way consumers are informed about coverage.

“There is no common standard for measuring coverage and some operators tend to grossly exaggerate. We like to manage people’s expectations,” said Phil Sheppard, 3’s director of network strategy.

One of the biggest challenges for 3, which owns high frequency 3G spectrum that is not great at penetrating buildings, is ensuring coverage when people use their phones indoors.

The problem will be solved, to an extent by gaining access to lower frequency spectrum that will be freed up by the digital switch-over.

Ian Fogg, an independent telecoms analyst, said that all operators struggle with indoor coverage.

“It is much easier to predict outdoor coverage. Indoors it will depend on the structure of the building. Thick concrete walls will block signals much more than a wooden structure,” said Mr Fogg.

As homes become ever more energy-efficient, so the problem is exacerbated as highly insulated houses tend to block mobile signals.

Spectrum that will allow 4G services is not due to be released until at least 2012.

Meanwhile 3 is busy adding more base stations. It now has 12,653 sites around theUK. It site-shares with T-Mobile and will gain more locations following the T-Mobile andOrangemerger.

But mobile masts bring their own challenges, according to Mr Purdy.

“Everyone craves good coverage but when we rock up to build a site near them it can cause problems,” he said.

In urban centres, where more masts are needed at roof-top level, the challenge is finding a suitable rental price, he added.

Users can find out what coverage they get in any location around theUK

The BBC survey will not measure speeds, but this is becoming increasingly crucial as people use their handsets for downloading and web browsing.

Ofcom, in conjunction with Epitiro, recently carried out a national test.

In those speed tests, O2 and Vodafone came out on top, averaging between 2 and 3Mbit/s, compared toOrangewhich managed between 1Mbit/s and 1.5Mbit/s.

Broadband comparison website Top10.com released its own 3G speed app this year and it found that Milton Keynes had the slowest 3G speeds at around 1.73Mbit/s compared to 3.6Mbit/s inPeterborough.

Mr Fogg thinks that, if enough people download theUKmobile map app, it could play a valuable role in helping improve coverage.

“One of the key solutions is identifying the problem. X network’s may only be terrible in certain locations and this survey will provide better information for operators,” he said.