Mobile Phone Network Research Articles

English

This paper applied a data mining model in sales and marketing department of Telecommunication Industry (TI) in Nigeria. The motivation behind the paper is as a result of competitive challenges facing most TI sales and marketing departments globally such as inability in gaining precise view of targeted data, inability to translate and formulate business question correctly and Problem of addressing data quality. The aim of this research work is to develop and implement a model that would be used to retain existing customers, attract new ones, effectively manage and allocate resources, goods and services in TI. The data mining techniques used were classification, association, sequence discovery, visualization and prediction. The tools used to implement the model were PHP, JavaScript, CSS and HTML. Telecommunication Service Providers (TSP) considered were Mobile Telephone Networks (MTN), GlobaCom (GLO), Airtel and emerging telecommunication markets (EMTs) also known as Etisalat. Three products on sales and marketing department of TI such as Airtime, Electronic Recharge (e-top up) and SIM card sales were considered. The training data used for model exploratory analysis range from 2008 to 2015 (eight years) and was collected from historical sales records of EMTs. The data were cleaned and transformed. The enhanced system was achieved through the implementation of the model which proves to be more efficient than the existing system. The model implemented was able to extract relevance information from database of TI and makes sales forecast for subsequent year. Therefore the system is recommended to be used by the TI to enhance their productivity. Key words: Telecommunication service provider, data mining, data mining technique, model, implementation.

Analysis of the communities of an urban mobile phone network.

Being able to characterise the patterns of communications between individuals across different time scales is of great importance in understanding people’s social interactions. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the community structure of the network of mobile phone calls in the metropolitan area of Milan revealing temporal patterns of communications between people. We show that circadian and weekly patterns can be found in the evolution of communities, presenting evidence that these cycles arise not only at the individual level but also at that of social groups. Our findings suggest that these trends are present across a range of time scales, from hours to days and weeks, and can be used to detect socially relevant events.

User-Centric Methodology for Objective Assessment of Service Quality in Established Wireless Mobile Communication Networks

Public wireless communications have undergo tremendous growth in terms of deployment and subscription by end-users since the emergence of second generation (2G) system networks such as GSM in the early 90’s to the present-day mobile broadband networks. However, the subscribers’ experience and satisfaction from the service quality being provided by the network service operators has not been commensurate with the tremendous growth. This in turn has led to high subscriber’s churn rate. Thus, network service satisfaction assessment especially from the end-users perspective is necessary to judge the network performance and maintain service quality standards from one location to another. In this contribution, the relationship between quality of service level and the end-user satisfaction in operational Global system for mobile communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) cellular networks are presented. We report our findings based on measurement study performed on the commercial GSM/UMTS/HSPA networks in four different cities for a period of one year. The measurements were conducted with field test equipment (a Laptop with enhanced field measurement test mobile system software, two Sonny Ericson mobile phone handsets, GPS and network scanner) in the operational commercial networks. Based on enhanced screen post-data processing, CS and PS based performance metrics were explored to assess and present the level of satisfaction the end-users derived from using the mobile networks operating across the investigated Cities. Our methodology can also be applied to conduct performance benchmarking between to different mobile network operators.

Is IT Enough? Evidence from a Natural Experiment in India's Agriculture Markets

Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as mobile phone networks is widely known to improve market efficiency. In this paper, we examine whether access to timely and accurate information provided through ICT applications has any additional impact. Using a detailed dataset from Reuters Market Light (RML), a text message service in India that provides daily price information to market participants, we find that this information reduces the geographic price dispersion of crops in rural communities by an average of 12%, over and above access to mobile phone technology and other means of communication. To identify the effect of information on price dispersion we exploit a natural experiment where bulk text messages were banned unexpectedly across India for 12 days in 2010. We find that besides reducing geographic price dispersion, RML also increases the rate at which prices converge across India over time. We discuss the implications of this for development organizations and information providers.

Pornography of place: Location, leaks and obscenity in the Indian MMS porn video

This paper examines the phenomenon of MMS pornography in India. ‘MMS’ or Multimedia Messaging Service refers to a communication technology that allows the sharing of multimedia files over cellphone networks. In India however, the term ‘MMS’ has become attached to pornographic clips that are shared over mobile phone networks or the Internet. Through an examination of two limit cases, ‘The Mysore-Mallige Scandal’ (2001) and the ‘Delhi Metro MMS Scandal’ (2014) this paper argues that the negotiation of space and place is integral to the production, circulation and ultimately the affective impact of such videos. In particular, I seek to extend the definition of the MMS clip by examining the play between place and affect. In doing so, I argue that MMS pornography is a symptom of a larger spatial problem of the digital age – the problem of the ‘leak’.

Diversity Management for Improving Performance in Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) Ghana Limited

The study examined the impact of diversity management on the general performance of organizations in the telecommunication industry in Ghana, through a case study on Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) Ghana limited. The target population was made up of top and middle management teams of MTN Ghana ltd, and the purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of ten (10) respondents for the study. Questionnaires were the instruments used for data collection and the data collected were analysed using tables. The key findings were that, diversity management has a positive influence on the performance of MTN Ghana ltd; and though diversity management is present in the company, management of it is improperly undertaken. It is therefore recommended that, top management team should give their support to diversity management and establish a complete strategy for diversity management in the company. Education and training programs may be organized for employees to learn about diversity and how to handle its complex issues in order to enhance performance in the organization.

Usefulness of the ZIM-probe technology for detecting water stress in clementine and persimmon trees

Further improvement on irrigation management requires continuous plant water status monitoring. The non-invasive ZIM-probe measures the pressure (Pp) transfer function through a patch of an intact leaf, which is inversely correlated with the turgor pressure. Data are sent wireless in real-time by telemetry to an internet server via a mobile phone network where it is available to be analyzed. In this work, the detection of water stress by measuring relative changes in turgor pressure with the ZIM-probe was evaluated in clementine and persimmon trees. Ten trees of both species were equipped with two ZIM-probes each located at the east side of the canopy. The ZIM-probes were used over several months during which half of the trees were subjected to two drought cycles. Concomitant measurements of stem water potential (ψs) were taken at midday in both orchards during the drought periods. Additionally, determinations of ψs and stomatal conductance (gs) were also performed during 1-2 days at hourly intervals in the clementine and persimmon orchards, respectively, to study the existing relationship of these classical indicators with the leaf turgor pressure. Results showed that diurnal Pp values increased in non-irrigated clementine trees when water restrictions were imposed. Persimmon drought-stressed trees, on the other hand, showed different Pp curve shapes (half and complete inverse curve) depending on the level of stress reached by the trees. There was a tight correlation between the hourly spot measurements of ψs and gs with the probe data. Overall, results show that the ZIM-probe enables the detection of drought stress in clementine and persimmon trees. Nevertheless, different approaches for calculating the water stress level must be used in each of these species due to the higher tendency of persimmon leaves to the inversed Pp curve phenomena.

Impact of Mobile Phones TV Commercials on Consumers’ Behavior

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact that mobile phones’ network commercials broadcasted from TV incur on consumer’s behavior. The proposed research work examines consumer behavior on three levels, i.e. knowledge, attitude and practice. The researcher has found out that how these networks commercials compel consumers to react at different levels. The major hypothesis of study is” the more exposure to TV commercials of mobile phone networks, the greater impact/persuasion there would be in consumer behavior”. The study was conducted in Lahore and it investigated the “impact of TV commercials on consumer behavior” through survey using questionnaire as a tool of data collection. It will target 200 consumers (100 male, 100 female) along with demographic characteristics like gender, age and income of the respondents. For this research, researcher will select three demography of the sample, like gender, income and education. For gender, the researcher will select male and female, for income, both low and high income sample will be selected and lastly for education, both low and high educated sample will be selected. For this research, the researcher will select various demographic features as well. The statistical test Chi-Square will be used for testing the hypothesis. The results and findings will be discussed in the light of societal justifications and empirical evidences available. The findings of the study revealed.

Impact of Mobile Phones on Staple Food Markets in Mozambique: Improved Arbitrage or Increased Rent Extraction?

We investigate to what extent the roll-out of the mobile phone network in Mozambique reduced search costs, and thereby lowered transport costs and improved the efficiency of agricultural markets. Estimations are based on data of both maize market prices and transport costs of maize grain. Evidence suggests improved arbitrage jointly with increased rent extraction by traders: the rollout explains a 4.5-7 percent reduction in maize price dispersion, and a slightly larger reduction in per ton km transport costs. Benefits of increased market efficiency are not biased towards either producer or consumer markets. Results are robust for non-random rollout of the mobile phone network and several other threats.

Optimization of Rigidly Supported Guyed Masts

A technique for simultaneous topology, shape, and sizing optimization of tall guyed masts is presented in this paper. The typical scheme of telecommunication masts that are triangular in plan and supported by a certain number of guys’ levels is examined. The objective function is the total mass of the mast, including the mass of the guys. The mast structure is optimized for self-weight and wind loading that is evaluated according to Eurocodes. The nonlinear behaviour of the guyed mast is simplified idealizing the nonlinear guys as approximate boundary conditions for the mast. A comparison of the simplified solution with the results of nonlinear analysis with Ansys shows small discrepancies that are on the safe side. The constraints involve all strength, local and global stability, and slenderness requirements. The optimization problem is solved using evolutionary algorithm with original genome repair procedure. As an example, a typical 96 m guyed broadcasting antenna for mobile-phone networks was designed employing the proposed optimization technique and taking up to 10 guys’ levels. It is shown that the optimal mast is supported by 3–5 guys’ levels. The optimal ranges of all remaining design variables were also obtained.

The effects of exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on the hatchability of domestic chicken embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus)

From the second half of the 20th century there has been a rapid increase in electromagnetic radiation (EMR), generated in part by mobile phone networks. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of an electromagnetic field (EMF) with a frequency of 900 MHz on the hatchability of chicken embryos. The experimental groups were exposed to the electromagnetic field during the entire incubation period, for 10x4 minutes per day or 1x40 minutes per day. The results obtained indicate that an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 900 MHz, irrespective of the duration of a single exposure, significantly accelerates the process of pipping and hatching. In the experimental groups subjected to electromagnetic radiation the time between pipping and hatching was reduced. No influence of the 900 MHz EMF was observed on the hatching rate, number of developmental defects in the embryos, body weight, or the number of culled chicks.

Voice Quality Estimation in Combined Radio-VoIP Networks for Dispatching Systems

The voice quality modelling assessment and planning field is deeply and widely theoretically and practically mastered for common voice communication systems, especially for the public fixed and mobile telephone networks including Next Generation Networks (NGN - internet protocol based networks). This article seeks to contribute voice quality modelling assessment and planning for dispatching communication systems based on Internet Protocol (IP) and private radio networks. The network plan, correction in E-model calculation and default values for the model are presented and discussed.

Digital literacy skills possessed by students of UNN, implications for effective learning and performance

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the digital literacy skills possessed by the students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the extent to which they use these digital literacy skills in their academic works. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive survey was adopted for the study, and the population consists of registered students that use the mobile telephone network (MTN) digital library, out of which 10 per cent of the population (281) was sampled for the study. A structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was randomly administered on the respondents who come to use the MTN digital library with particular attention to the different levels of the students. The questionnaire distribution lasted for a week; 281 copies of questionnaire were distributed, out which 184 (65 per cent) responded. Findings The study showed that some of the students possess digital literacy skills; they use these digital literacy skills daily. Majority of the respondents indicated that digital literacy has affected their academic performance to a high extent. The major challenges of acquiring digital literacy skills include electricity failure, low internet bandwidth, ICT facilities, lack of development of digital literacy programme and standard. Practical implications Implication of this study is that the establishment by MTN has enhanced the development of digital literacy in UNN as many students utilize these facilities. Originality/value Librarians and library staff should be adequately equipped with digital literacy skills and competencies to empower them to train and educate users, as information and communication technology (ICT) is a major tool for teaching, learning and research. To achieve this goal, there is a need to engage in public private partnership collaboration to sponsor the provision of these ICT facilities in our institutions of higher learning to enhance literacy learning for national development.

Integrating Big Data into a Sustainable Mobility Policy 2.0 Planning Support System

It is estimated that each of us, on a daily basis, produces a bit more than 1 GB of digital content through our mobile phone and social networks activities, bank card payments, location-based positioning information, online activities, etc. However, the implementation of these large data amounts in city assets planning systems still remains a rather abstract idea for several reasons, including the fact that practical examples are still very strongly services-oriented, and are a largely unexplored and interdisciplinary field; hence, missing the cross-cutting dimension. In this paper, we describe the Policy 2.0 concept and integrate user generated content into Policy 2.0 platform for sustainable mobility planning. By means of a real-life example, we demonstrate the applicability of such a big data integration approach to smart cities planning process. Observed benefits range from improved timeliness of the data and reduced duration of the planning cycle to more informed and agile decision making, on both the citizens and the city planners end. The integration of big data into the planning process, at this stage, does not have uniform impact across all levels of decision making and planning process, therefore it should be performed gradually and with full awareness of existing limitations.

Predictors of Mobile Phone and Social Networking Site Dependency in Adulthood.

The present study explored social and psychological predictors of social networking site (SNS) and mobile phone dependency in a sample of emerging adults (ages 18-25, n = 159, M = 21.87, SD = 2.08) and young adults (ages 26-40, n = 97, M = 31.21, SD = 4.11). Path analysis revealed that SNS dependency mediated the relationship of social comparison, SNS support, and impulsivity on mobile phone dependency. Impulsivity also showed direct links to mobile phone dependency. The present findings suggest that individuals with a strong orientation toward social comparison, who perceive a strong sense of support through SNS networks, or who show difficulty with self-regulation may be at risk for SNS and mobile phone dependency.

‘Digital by Default’ and the ‘hard to reach’: Exploring solutions to digital exclusion in remote rural areas

In the UK, the geography of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure required for Internet connectivity is such that high speed broadband and mobile phone networks are generally less available in rural areas compared with urban areas or, in other words, as remoteness and population sparsity increase so too does the likelihood of an area having no or very poor broadband connectivity. Against a policy backdrop of UK Government efforts to bring forward network infrastructure upgrades and to improve the accessibility of broadband services in locations where there is a weak commercial investment case, this paper considers the options for the ‘final few’ in the prevailing ‘Digital by Default’ public services context. The paper outlines the Rural Public Access WiFi Services project, a study focused upon enabling Internet connectivity for commercially ‘hard to reach’ rural areas in the UK. The Rural Public Access WiFi Services concept and the experiment are introduced before findings from a pilot deployment of a broadband service to households in a remote rural area, who may be classified as ‘digitally excluded’, are presented. The paper then reflects on our field experiment and the potential of the Rural Public Access WiFi Services service model as a solution to overcoming some of the digital participation barriers manifest in the urban–rural divide. Early indications show that the Rural Public Access WiFi Services model has the potential to encourage participation in the Digital Economy and could aid the UK Government’s Digital by Default agenda, although adoption of the model is not without its challenges.

Smallholder Maize Farmers’ Food Consumption Expenditures in Ghana: The Mediating Role of Commercialization

This paper examines the effect of smallholder maize farmers’ commercialization on their household food consumption expenditures in Ghana using data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey Round Five (GLSS5). The results indicate that the intensity of smallholder maize commercialization is generally low and that better output price, quantity of maize produced, farm size, type of market or point of sale, access to mobile phone network coverage, proportion of crops given to landlord, instant payment for maize sold, are inter alia key incentive variables that influence the intensity of maize commercialization. The study also revealed that intensity of maize commercialization positively influenced food consumption expenditures. Increases in the sale of maize results in increases in purchases of food items needed to address household food security needs. These findings demonstrate the urgent need to strengthen smallholder market integration initiatives, encourage market information delivery systems, and establish more retail outlets with improved market facilities in order to promote production and trade in high value cereals such as maize in Ghana

Online communication with strong ties and subjective well-being in Japan

Recent developments in communication technologies have changed how people connect and interact with each other. This study investigates whether and how online communication with strong ties (mobile phone and social networking service [SNS]) enhances subjective well-being in Japan. Study 1 examined whether the correlation between happiness and mobile phone use was mediated by the number of offline and online friends. Study 2 assessed the associations between the Japanese relationship-oriented value “interdependent self-view,” life satisfaction, and the use of SNS. Results indicate that only the use of LINE (an instant messaging application), which is the most popular SNS in Japan, was significantly correlated with life satisfaction and interdependent self-view. The number of friends (offline and online) mediated the effect of LINE use on life satisfaction. Interdependent self-view was significantly correlated with the frequency of LINE use, homogeneity of LINE friends, and life satisfaction. These results indicate that the use of a dominant online communication method with strong ties is significantly correlated with subjective well-being, and this significant correlation is mediated by the number of offline and online friends.

Behavioral Pattern in Mobile Phone Networks Described by the Generalized Extreme Value Distribution at Individual Level

There is increasing interest in studying human interactive behaviors using the large dataset of mobile phone networks, with the weighted social network as a helpful model. This paper focuses on the question of how the digital world might influence social relationships. There is an argument in previous researches between the three different possibilities: with extra volume brought by convenience of communication devices, will people tend to deepen their strong ties or broaden their weak ties or keep a ＂no change mode.＂ Our idea to address this problem is to investigate the distributions of per-node weight rather than all weights in the mobile phone network. Using CDRs data of 32,000 active mobile phone users, the empirical finding shows that the distributions of the logarithmic weights follow the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. The shape parameter of the GEV distribution reveals the existence of a typical strategy. The typical strategy could be regarded as an ＂intrinsic strategy＂ which indicates that the majority of people have strategies similar to the typical one, while the rest deviate far from it. An ＂asymptotic no change mode＂ is found by examining the relationship between the shape parameter and the social connectivity K. Therefore, the three possibilities of the aforementioned argument are in fact harmonious rather than exclusive.

Is IT Enough? Evidence from a Natural Experiment in India’s Agriculture Markets

Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as mobile phone networks is widely known to improve market efficiency. In this paper, we examine whether access to timely and accurate information provided through ICT applications has any additional impact. Using a detailed data set from Reuters Market Light (RML), a text message service in India that provides daily price information to market participants, we find that this information reduces the geographic price dispersion of crops in rural communities by an average of 12%, over and above access to mobile phone technology and other means of communication. To identify the effect of information on price dispersion, we exploit a natural experiment where bulk text messages were banned unexpectedly across India for 12 days in 2010. We find that besides reducing geographic price dispersion, RML also increases the rate at which prices converge across India over time. We discuss the implications of this for development organizations and information providers. This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.