ASSESSMENT OF RADIO TELECOMMUNICATION COVERAGE SIGNAL USING GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

With the advancement in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the importance of telecommunication sectors is irrefutable. Rapid growth in this sector requires a good network coverage so the application of the technology is accessible for all purpose from everywhere. In this study, the radio telecommunication coverage signal in Kg. Gong Badak, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA) have analysed to estimate the frequency (MHz) level using different interpolation techniques (IDW, Natural Neighbor, and Kriging) to select the best method. Then, the relationship between signal strength level (amplitude) and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) data was identified. Several statistical approaches such as Linear Regression Model and Rank Spearman Correlation Coefficient were implemented in this study. From the findings, we found that the Kriging method is the best technique to be applied for network coverage assessment. We also found that the relationship between signal strength (amplitude) and LULC in Kg. Gong Badak exists either in environmental aspects or physical structures. Kg.Tok Jembal, UMT, Kg. Pak Tuyu and Kg. Jati show a strong positive linear relationship (p-value of < 1%) between signal strength received and a 100-meter interval for 1 kilometer from the base station tower (BST). This indicates that the distance from the BST determines the signal strength. This study can be beneficial for the government and the players in the telecommunication industry to monitor the network coverage in Malaysia to provide a better service.