Nigerian Communications Commission Research Articles

Tropospheric influence on dropped calls in mobile networks

It is common knowledge that tropospheric variables affect signals, thereby distorting coverage. Since the major factor affecting dropped calls is coverage and the penetration depth of the signal strength transmitted by a wireless system determines its coverage, therefore, there is a tendency for tropospheric variables to affect dropped calls. This research investigates the effects of relative humidity, wind speed, rainfall and temperature on dropped calls for four mobile networks (MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile) in Cross River State, Nigeria. Six years data of weather variables collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Cross River State and six years Drop Call Rate (DCR) data obtained from the telecommunications regulatory body, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), was used for this study, both spanning from January 2015 to December 2020. From the collected data, graphs were plotted and, in each case, the DCR of the mobile networks were the dependent variables while the tropospheric variables were the independent variables. Also, regression models were obtained to forecast the DCR of each network, provided the tropospheric variable at each given period is known. Finally, the variables were correlated to give a picture of how each tropospheric variable related to the DCR of the mobile networks. For MTN and 9mobile networks, a low positive correlation was obtained for rainfall and relative humidity, a highly positive correlation was obtained for wind speed while a lowly negative correlation was obtained for temperature. For Airtel network, a moderately negative correlation exists between DCR and relative humidity/temperature while a low positive relationship existed for rainfall. However, a low negative relationship was observed for wind speed. For Globacom network, a moderately negative and a moderately positive relationship was obtained for rainfall and relative humidity respectively while a highly positive and a lowly negative correlation was obtained for temperature/wind speed against DCR. This result will be very useful to the meteorologist, mobile network planners and the network operators.

Performance Evaluation of Key Performance Indicators for UMTS Networks in Calabar, Nigeria

For appropriate regulation and quality assurance, continuous monitoring of cellular network services is necessary. A drive test measurement was carried out in Calabar, to investigate four UMTS networks, taking cognizance of Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Handover Success Rate (HOSR), Call Setup Time (CST), Received Signal Code Power (RSCP) and Signal-to-Interference Ratio (Ec/Io). The collected data was analyzed and the obtained results was compared with the performance threshold levels of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). The four networks had excellent CST, with MTN leading, followed by Airtel, then 9mobile and Globacom. For CSSR, Airtel had excellent performance, as there was no blocked call. This was followed by MTN and Globacom. 9mobile failed in CSSR as it was below the NCC recommended benchmark. There was no drop call in Airtel, MTN and 9mobile, but Globacom’s performance was below the recommended threshold for dropped calls. For HOSR, the four networks showed excellent performance as they were able to handover calls between cells, as recommended by NCC. Considering the RSCP, the four networks displayed excellent services as subscribers experienced good voice and data services. However, the four networks had poor coverage quality (Ec/Io), the worst, being displayed by MTN. This shows that the equipment capability of the networks is low. The network operators are advised to monitor their services often, so as to optimize their networks for a better Quality of Service (QoS).

A comparative assessment of GSM and UMTS Networks

It is common knowledge that the transition of mobile networks from one generation to another is basically for the improvement in the network’s Quality of Service (QoS). Bearing this in mind, we will assumme that the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) will outperform the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), hence, the motivation to conduct this study in Calabar, Nigeria, for four mobile networks; MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile. With the aid of a TEMS investigation software installed in a laptop, a measurement campaign was carried out and log files collected, with focus on Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Dropped Call Rate (DCR), Handover Success Rate (HOSR), Call Setup Time (CST), network coverage and network quality. The collected data was analyzed with the aid of a TEMS discovery software. The analyzed data for each Key Performance Indicator (KPI) was compared with the minimum benchmark of the telecommunications regulatory body, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). Result reveal that there was no outright improvement in the QoS and there was fluctuation in the QoS provided by the network operators. We therefore conclude that the network operators, either did not make accurate planning before installing their base stations or do not optimize their networks frequently and this led to poor QoS in most cases.

A Study on Facility Management Practice in Nigeria: A Case Study of Nigerian Communication Commission, Abuja Nigeria

This paper examined facility management practices in Nigeria using Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) as a case study. Both primary and secondary data were utilized for this study. The target populations are the staffs of the Nigerian Communication Commission, Abuja, the facility managers at the NCC and the estate surveyor in charge of the facility management team at NCC Abuja. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Findings revealed that both genders were well represented across the study area as, 80.7% of the residents were male while 19.3% were female. Findings revealed that revealed that almost all the respondents have acquired formal education with the majority 97.8% having tertiary education, 2.2% claimed to have secondary certificate. The study showed that most of the respondents agree that the most important service to them is the maintenance service. Findings established that the main reason the management of the study area seeks the assistance of a facility manager in their organization and it explains that most of the staffs of the study area believe that the main reason for outsourcing is to focus on their core business. The study concluded that facility management is presently at its inception stage in the Nigeria and the suggestion is that the profession requires efficient championing to allow it to develop into a grown phase as being presently observed in the developed economies.

A real time series forcasting for a signal loss in a multipath antenna system using convolutionary networks

This study presents propagation measurements of the fifth generation long-term evolution (5G LTE) network using Huawei Technologies drive test equipment. Measurements were taken from five transmitting evolved node base stations (eNodeBs) located along five major routes in Osogbo, Nigeria, at an operating frequency of 1800MHz. An empirical model was developed for planning and optimizing Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks which address the poor quality of services provided by GSM service providers in Osogbo town. The average path losses predicted are 80.10dB, 74.27dB, 80.89, 80.65dB and 82.30dB, while the measured are 75.70, 70.20, 78.30, 79.12 and 76.10, respectively. However, according to R. Rakesh 2012, the acceptable range between measure and predicted result lies between 1 ≤ PL≤ 20dB. Therefore, the average values obtained vary between 2 to 7dB, within the acceptable range. Therefore, it can be concluded that the modified model developed from the Log-Normal shadowing model can be useful to GSM network service providers for planning and optimization their services in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study recommends that Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), which is the regulatory body, mandate the GSM service providers in the country to experimentally test their desired scientific model to ascertain its practicability at the planning stage before the release of the operating license.

A real-time series forecasting for a signal loss in a multipath antenna system using convolutionary networks

This study presents propagation measurements of the fifth generation long-term evolution (5G LTE) network using Huawei Technologies drive test equipment. Measurements were taken from five transmitting evolved node base stations (eNodeBs) located along five major routes in Osogbo, Nigeria, at an operating frequency of 1800MHz. An empirical model was developed for planning and optimizing Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks which address the poor quality of services provided by GSM service providers in Osogbo town. The average path losses predicted are 80.10dB, 74.27dB, 80.89, 80.65dB and 82.30dB, while the measured are 75.70, 70.20, 78.30, 79.12 and 76.10, respectively. However, according to R. Rakesh 2012, the acceptable range between measure and predicted result lies between 1 ≤ PL≤ 20dB. Therefore, the average values obtained vary between 2 to 7dB, within the acceptable range. Therefore, it can be concluded that the modified model developed from the Log-Normal shadowing model can be useful to GSM network service providers for planning and optimization their services in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study recommends that Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), which is the regulatory body, mandate the GSM service providers in the country to experimentally test their desired scientific model to ascertain its practicability at the planning stage before the release of the operating license.

COVID-‘419’: Social Context of Cybercrime in the Age of COVID-19 in Nigeria

ABSTRACT While extant studies have probed the causes, actors and effects of cybercrimes in Nigeria, knowledge is scarce on the adaptable nature of cybercrimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Fraud triangle theory and exploratory research design, I analyzed data emanating from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Partial and total lockdown imposed by Federal and State governments in Nigeria to curtail the spread of COVID-19 delayed government palliative intervention, weakened social support systems and increased the vulnerability of Nigerians to COVID-419ners. The fraud scheming deployed included relief package fraud, food and data fraud, and COVID-19 cash support and loan fraud. These fraud schemes were designed to align with federal government’s policy on COVID-19 palliative or intervention to defraud the unsuspecting public. Arising from the findings, the study recommends timely palliative support and unambiguous public enlightenment on beneficiaries to reduce victimization of vulnerable Nigerians. Anti-cybercrime agencies need to be proactive in preventing fraud occurrence, neutralizing fraudulent schemes and arresting cyber-offenders.

An Analysis of the Effects of Over the Top Service Model Regulation of the Nigerian Communications Commission on Consumer’s Protection in North-Western Nigeria

An Analysis of the Effects of Over the Top Service Model Regulation of the Nigerian Communications Commission on Consumer’s Protection in North-Western Nigeria

Psychometric Properties of Young’s Internet Addiction Test in Nigeria

Background: In 2018, the Nigerian Communication Commission affirmed that more than 100 million Nigerians made use of the Internet. A good percentage of internet usage is maladaptive. A valid, reliable, and socio-culturally sensitive assessment instrument is essential to study internet usage patterns in Nigeria. Young’s Internet Addiction test (IAT) has been validated in many countries, but not in Nigeria. Objectives: This study aimed to validate IAT to determine psychometric properties acceptable in a Nigerian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 184 Nigerian University undergraduates (77 males and 107 females), mean age = 20.5, were purposively drawn, and they responded to IAT, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS). Results: The Cronbach’s α of the six IAT factors ranged from 0.25 (anticipation) to 0.69 (salience). The observed overall Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.79 was obtained for IAT. The corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.73 to 0.84. The concurrent validity score was observed to be r = 0.54 between IAT and SAS-SV and r = 0.58 between IAT and BFAS. A significant positive correlation was equally observed between the IAT and BFAS factors, ranging from conflict (r = 0.322, P = 0.000) to relapse (r = 0.488, P = 0.000). The new norm determined for IAT in the Nigerian population was ≥ 38.5 for males and ≥ 40.8 for females. Conclusions: IAT is gender-sensitive and has acceptable psychometric properties for the Nigerian population.

Modeling and Development of a Novel Quality of Service Prediction Model for Global System for Mobile Communications Network using Artificial Neural Networks

Quality of service (QoS) performance evaluation is an essential indicator in determining the efficiency of services rendered by an industry. Comparison of some key performance indicators with standard threshold values has been a major approach for determining QoS of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in Nigeria. This comparative approach, which usually involves human involvement is prone to error. Thus, an automatic artificial neural networks (ANN) predictive QoS model was developed in the study presented in this paper. In carrying out the study, five key performance indicators (KPIs) data were collected form the GSM operator used. The collected KPIs parameters were used to develop a mathematical model that was transformed into the proposed automatic QoS predicted model using ANN. The developed QoS prediction model when evaluated was found to be accuracy and performed favorably well when compared with the manual approach being used by the Nigerian Communications Commission. The developed automatic QoS prediction model for this study is thus suggested as a better replacement for the current manual method based on its accuracy and non-human involvement in predicting QoS of GSM network investigated.

Machine Learning Approach to Mobile Forensics Framework for Cyber Crime Detection in Nigeria

The mobile Cyber Crime detection is challenged by number of mobile devices (internet of things), large and complex data, the size, the velocity, the nature and the complexity of the data and devices has become so high that data mining techniques are no more efficient since they cannot handle Big Data and internet of things. The aim of this research work was to develop a mobile forensics framework for cybercrime detection using machine learning approach. It started when call was detected and this detection is made by machine learning algorithm furthermore intelligent mass media towers and satellite that was proposed in this work has the ability to classified calls whether is a threat or not and send signal directly to Nigerian communication commission (NCC) forensic lab for necessary action.

An Appraisal of Legal History of Telecommunication System in Nigeria

The paper focuses on the legal history of telecommunication system in Nigeria, starting from the point of approved traditional means of communication of the different ethnic groups in the Country. It discusses the means and methods of communication during the pre-colonial era which served as a foundation and a stepping-stone for the subsequent revamping and development of the modern communications regime. It further discusses the colonial and present developments which cellular telecommunications system has recorded, and provides concise profiles of the major GSM mobile operators and the regulatory body on communication system in Nigeria – the Nigerian Communications Commission. The paper adopted doctrinal method of research by consulting written materials on the area of research. The paper found out that despite the efforts of Nigerian government in regulating telecommunication system, more need to be done particularly in the area of network coverage and stability as well as customer satisfaction. The paper then suggests that the Nigerian government should encourage the network providers in acquiring the needed technology that would boost their stable network coverage to the remotest area of the Country thereby providing deserving products to their teeming customers.

The Legal Framework for Licensing Telecommunications Services in Nigeria

Telecommunications services remain key to the developmental quest of any nation state in the present 21st Century. The attendant benefits of an enhanced telecommunications services cannot be overemphasised with globalization. Incidental to the breakthrough in telecommunications services is the sophistication of cybercrime, thus, the need for regulation and control through licensing. This paper employed the doctrinal approach in examining the legal framework for licencing telecommunications services. The paper discusses what is licensing in telecommunication services as well as, the types, mode of licensing and the rationale behind licensing in telecommunications services. The paper considers the requirements and procedures for obtaining individual licence and class licence in Nigeria. Knowingly well, that telecommunications services continue to witness technological advancement and breakthrough globally, the paper recommends that the regulator in Nigeria which is the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), should ensure full liberalization of telecommunications services. It is also the recommendation of this paper that where private investors are licensed with minimal conditions, investment and competition is triggered as such better service delivery and more revenue to the Government. The paper also recommends that penalties for operating without license in telecommunication services should be more severe so as to deter prospective offenders in Nigeria. Also, offenders should be prosecuted timeously, efficiently and meted the required penalties, as it will constitute deterrence to prospective offenders for breaches of the provisions of the law.

Opening Up Access To Spectrum Transfer In Nigeria: Examining The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Spectrum Trading Guidelines 2018

The brief provides information on the spectrum licensing regime of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and evaluates options for transferring Access Spectrum License in Nigeria. The brief considers the approach of the NCC to the acquisition of a spectrum by an acquirer. The former NCC approach to transfer of spectrum was strict and inflexible to the extent that an acquirer is only able to acquire a spectrum license by acquiring the company holding the spectrum and seeking NCC’s authorisation to use the license. While the current approach contained in the NCC Spectrum Trading Guidelines 2018 (the Guidelines) promotes flexibility in spectrum trading. The NCC formulated the Guidelines pursuant to its powers under the NCC Act.

Experimental Study on the Impact of Weather Conditions on Wide Code Division Multiple Access Signals in Nigeria

In cellular network activities, before a site is integrated it is expected that each cell of the site meets the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) standard of ≥98% for both service accessibility and call completion rate which in turn depicts a ≤2% in both blocked call rate (BCR) and dropped call rate (DCR). It is suggested that weather conditions have a very strong negative effect on the performance of wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) network as it could lead to signal attenuation or change the polarization. In this paper, we study the impact of weather conditions on WCDMA network in Nigeria. To achieve this, network samples (log-files) were collected weekly during a driving test in Enugu State Nigeria for a period of five years for both rainy and dry seasons, in which blocked and dropped calls were extracted. Results show that during adverse weather conditions, BCR and DCR rise greater than 8% and 4% respectively. Although with a slight relationship between the weather conditions, the weather condition during the dry season has a better-blocked call rate of 8.76% in comparison with the rainy season with 12.89%. Calls tend to drop more during the dry season. From the outcome of the experiment, a model was developed for predicting an unknown network call statistics variables.

Assessment of Quality of Service of Mobile Network Operators in Akure

This study assessed and compared the Quality of Service provided by the four major Mobile Network Operators(MNOs) in Akure, Nigeria as well as assessed their level of compliance with Nigerian Communications Commission standard. The study also examined the level of customer satisfaction on the services delivered by the MNOs. The effect of Quality of Service on the satisfaction of the customers of the MNOs was also investigated in this study.Primary data was collected in this study using both the drive test and survey questionnaire techniques. The drive test technique was used to collect data on the Quality of Service provided by the MNOs while the survey questionnaire was used to collect data on customer satisfaction from 527 respondents.Descriptive statistics was used to assess the level of Quality of Service provided and also to examine the level of customer satisfaction. The one-way ANOVA was adopted to compare the Quality of Service provided among the MNOs while Regression analysis was used to examine the effect of Quality of Service on customer satisfaction.The study revealed that the Quality of Service of the Mobile Network Operators in Akure differed significantly (P<0.05). It also revealed a moderate level of satisfaction among the customers. Though the Quality of Service provided by the Mobile Network Operators was found not to meet Nigerian Communications Commission standard for most of the key performance indicators, MTN was found to be the best. The study also revealed that the effect of Quality of Service on the satisfaction of customers is insignificant. The study recommended that the Mobile Network Operators should build more base stations as this would help reduce coverage gaps and blind spots and ultimately increase their network coverage.

A Practical Assessment of Competition Regulation as a Viable Option for Protecting Net Neutrality in Nigeria

A Practical Assessment of Competition Regulation as a Viable Option for Protecting Net Neutrality in Nigeria

ANALYSIS OF GSM NETWORK QUALITY OF SERVICE USING CALL SETUP FAILURE RATE AND HANDOVER FAILURE RATE INDICES

Over the decades, the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology has become one of the fastest growing and most challenging telecommunications technologies. The Call Setup Failure Rate (CSFR) and Hand-Over Failure Rate (HOFR) were the most important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used in ascertaining the efficiency of GSM network in terms of the quality of services rendered. For customers, it is expected that maximum satisfaction is derived from any service rendered, which was not the case over the years. The increase of HOFR and poor network availabilities due to increased CSFR became a great concern to all parties (providers, users, and researchers). Hence, this paper assessed the Quality of Service (QoS) of MTN GSM network in four geographical areas (Kaduna South, Kaduna North, Zaria, and Kafanchan) using two Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of HOFR and CSFR. The data used in the assessment was collated from MTN Network Management Center (NMC) with the aid of the FACTS tool. These KPI results were evaluated against those specified by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in order to make some important recommendations from the findings (contributions) to improve the QoS of MTN network.

Increasing Cancer Awareness Through BWS Social Media Activities

Background and context: Information is key. The Nigerian Communications Commission released a statement in December 2017 that 98.3 million people in Nigeria use the Internet. The increasing number of people that use social media and the unlimited access is a reason to do some level of awareness on these platforms. A huge opportunity to pass information and save lives in the process will be missed by not engaging social media. Aim: To increase awareness for prevention and early detection of cancer via social media and forming an online community in the process. Strategy/Tactics: Creation of cancer-related engaging contents with words, pictures and videos such as general information about cancer, preventive measures among others to get the attention of the audience and consistent posting of these contents. Informing the general public of our free screening exercises and activities. Program/Policy process: Creation of a content calendar for our posts on specific days and times, targeting of online audience through age, sex and location among others considering the campaign we want to push at a given time. Outcomes: After 3 months, we had 48,765 reach and 17,223 impressions on Facebook, 47,599 impressions on Twitter and 15,177 impressions on Instagram from 30 posts each. A very significant increase in the number of people that showed up to our vaccinations, screenings and other activities/programs. Positive response from people who were reached via social media, they were thankful for the basic information they got which they had no idea about. Dozens of people volunteered to work for our organization to help get rid of cancer. What was learned: Social media enabled us to reach a good number of people easily. Our target audience was very grateful for the information they got. In summary, the use of social media in raising awareness and passing information was very effective.

Radio access evaluation of cellular network in Akure metropolis, Nigeria

The higher subscription, relative importance of voice calls, client’s complaints and economy depression that now make clients to get value for money paid and need for more revenue by mobile network operator (MNOs) justified this work. The objective of this work is to measure, analyse, evaluate the performance of MNOs, and to recommend ways to improving their quality of service (QoS). Drive test approach was used for the measurements and statistical methods for the analysis. Results of the analysis shows that the quality of Voice service offered by MNOs is not optimal and there is room for improved quality service. Based on the key performance indicators, the mobile operators did not perform up to expectation. There are differences in the quality of voice service offered across mobile network operator networks based on the time of the day and the area under consideration. MNO1, MNO2, MNO3 and MNO4 gave varying quality of service. MNO4 had absolutely no dropped calls and performed best and consistently gave a retainability ratio above the target. MNO1 performance metrics were below the key performance indicator thresholds given by the Nigerian Communication Commission. Keywords : Performance Evaluation, Quality of Service, Voice Services, Mobile Communication