Declaration

I declare that this report is my own work. No other person is allowed to copy or publish a
copy of it.
I also declare that this report was prepared according to the rules and regulations of University
of Dar es Salaam.

Signature_________________
Date______________________

Mngongo Josephat; 2009-04-03293; UDSM

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Abstract
Telecommunications sector is among the fast growing sectors in our country and it has proved
to be very important in our daily activities such as mobile communication and data services.
This report consists of two main parts which are the process and the conclusion and
recommendations.
The process part explains about GSM Radio Network Planning, which involves all plans and
designs that are needed in terms of coverage and capacity which results to a good quality
network performance and cost-effective one.
The last chapter brings out the conclusion on the whole practical training process as well as
the topic explained on chapter one. Also there are some recommendations that I suggest so as
to improve this activity.
Together with the main report I have also attached the weekly reports for all the eight weeks
of my practical training at MIC Tanzania Company.
It is my hope that, anyone who will read this report will have a clear understanding about the
GSM networks and GSM Radio Network Planning. Also in it, people could understand
various steps that are taken during the planning process toward the completion of an optimal
networks.

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Acknowledgement
Firstly I would like to thank our almight God for providing me with good health during the
whole period of my training.
I would like to acknowledge the College of Information and Communication Technology for
set up practical training sessions which in one way enable us to know what is going on in
industry. Practical Training has made us being familiar with operations and actual job
environment.
Special thanks to MIC Tanzania ( Tigo ) for providing me a chance to work with, and learn a
lot of things concerning Telecommunications Industry.
I would like to thank Engineer Victor M Makula, Tigos Transimission and Site Engineer in
Dar Es Salaam for accepting me and my colleagues to work with him. He is a very
experienced and competent engineer and for sure I have learned many things from you
brother. Big up to you and thank you very much for letting me do various system
configurations.
I would also like to thank Engineer Marco, Tigos Transimission and Site Engineer Engineer
also in Dar Es Salaam region for teaching me many issues concerning Telecommunications.
By working with him I have learned a lot. Thank you for letting me do various system
configurations.
Thanks to all Transmission and Sites maintenence staffs, Engineer Renatus, Engineer Harlod
Madeha and others for working with me in site troubleshooting and maintenence.
I would like to thank my practical training supervisor from University of Dar-es-salaam
(CoICT), Mr. Daudi for his kindness, understanding and readable advice.
Lastly, My appreciation goes to all my fellow practical training students for their positive
cooperation towards completion of this report.

Mngongo Josephat; 2009-04-03293; UDSM

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Preface
This report contains information which aim at providing the clear picture on how the whole
process of GSM radio network planning is carried. Whether aimed at coverage, capacity or
frequency optimization, this report provide the all neccesary steps that are followed in the
planning process toward the completion of project.
All of these information are related to the departments of Planning and Transmission in the
MIC Tigo company where i did my practical training III. Special regards to all who helped me
in accomplishing this report writting, whether by teaching me or giving me some advices.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ............................................................................................................. i
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................ iii
PREFACE ...................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................... vii

CHAPTER ONE ..............................................................................................................1

1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................1
1.1 GSM Network Overview ........................................................................................1
1.1.0 Architecture of the GSM network ...................................................................2
1.1.1 Mobile Station .................................................................................................2
1.1.2 The Base Station Subsystem ...........................................................................3
1.1.3 The Network and Switching Subsystem .........................................................3
1.1.4 The Operation and Support Subsystem ...........................................................4
1.2 Problem statement ...................................................................................................5
1.3 Adapted Solution .....................................................................................................5
1.4 The Scope of Radio Network planning ...................................................................5
1.5 What is Radio Network planning? ..........................................................................6
1.5.1 Dimensioning ..................................................................................................7
1.5.2 Radio Network Detailed Planning...................................................................8
1.5.3 Optimization And Monitoring .......................................................................12
1.6 Search Area Map ...................................................................................................13
1.7 Site Candidates ......................................................................................................14
1.8 Site survey and site survey report..........................................................................15

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1.9 Site definition ........................................................................................................16

1.10 Site acquisition ....................................................................................................16
1.11 The Process Flowchart ........................................................................................18

CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................19
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................19
2.1 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................19
2.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................19

REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................20

WEEKLY REPORTS ...................................................................................................21

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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

MIC

Millicom International Cellular

TCRA

Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority

QoS

Quality of Services

MS:

Mobile Station

BSS:

Base Station Subsystem

SS:

Switching Subsystem

GSM:

Global System for Mobile Communications

UDSM:

University of Dar es Salaam

MSC:

Mobile Switching Centre

HLR:

Home Location Register

VLR:

Visitors Location Register

EIR:

Equipment Identity Register

AUC:

Authentification Centre

BTS:

Base Tranceiver Station

BSC:

Base Station Controller

OMC:

Operation and Management Centre

NMC:

Network Management Centre

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Chapter One
1:0 Introduction
Since the early days of GSM development, GSM system network planning has undergone
extensive modification so as to fulfill the ever-increasing demand from operators and mobile
users with issues related to capacity and coverage. Radio network planning is perhaps the
most important part of the whole design process owing to its proximity to mobile users.
The main aim of radio network planning is to provide a cost-effective solution for the radio
network in terms of coverage, capacity and quality. The network planning process and design
criteria vary from region to region depending upon the dominating factor, which could be
capacity or coverage. The design process itself is not the only process in the whole network
design, and has to work in close coordination with the planning processes of the core and
especially the transmission network.
This project focus on how MIC deals with the planning and optimizing of the very few
resources available so as to come up with an optimal network which will minimize the
operation cost while keeping the Quality of Service delivered to the customers high.
It is the job of Tigos Planning Department with some little cooperation from other
departments to carry the whole planning process and optimization.. After various
measurements and research the proposed solution come into implementation such as new BTS
site installation, or increasing number of E1 in the site and so on.
Therefore network planning can be described briefly as all the activities involved in
determining which sites will be used for the radio equipment, which equipments will be used,
and how the equipments will be configured. In order to ensure good coverage and to avoid
interference, every cellular network needs planning.

1:1 GSM Network Overview

Firstly I would like to provide a short overview on the GSM system before I get into more
specific details about the Radio Network Planning process.
Global System for Mobile (GSM) is a second generation cellular standard developed to cater
voice services and data delivery using digital modulation.

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1:1:0 Architecture of the GSM network

The GSM technical specifications define the different entities that form the GSM network by
defining their functions and interface requirements.
The GSM network can be divided into four main parts:

The Mobile Station (MS).

The Base Station Subsystem (BSS).
The Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS).
The Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS).

The architecture of the GSM network is presented in figure 1.

Fig 1: Architecture of the GSM network

1.1.1 Mobile Station (MS):

A Mobile Station consists of two main elements:

The mobile terminal:- These are distinguished by power & application.

The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM): - The SIM is a smart card that identifies the
terminal. The SIM card is protected by a four-digit Personal Identification Number
(PIN).

Another advantage of the SIM card is the mobility of the users. In fact, the only element that
personalizes a terminal is the SIM card.

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1.1.2 The Base Station Subsystem (BSS):

The BSS connects the Mobile Station and the NSS. It is in charge of the transmission and
reception.
The BSS can be divided into two parts:

The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) or Base Station.

The Base Station Controller (BSC).

The Base Transceiver Station(BTS):

The BTS corresponds to the transceivers and antennas used in each cell of the network. A
BTS is usually placed in the center of a cell. Its transmitting power defines the size of a cell.
Each BTS has between one and sixteen transceivers depending on the density of users in the
cell.
The Base Station Controller (BSC):

The BSC controls a group of BTS and manages their radio resources. A BSC is principally in
charge of handovers, frequency hopping, exchange functions and control of the radio
frequency power levels of the BTSs.

1.1.3 The Network and Switching Subsystem (NSS):

Its main role is to manage the communications between the mobile users and other users, such
as mobile users, ISDN users, fixed telephony users, etc. It also includes data bases needed in
order to store information about the subscribers and to manage their mobility. The different
components of the NSS are described below: The Mobile services Switching Center (MSC):

It is the central component of the NSS. The MSC performs the switching functions of the
network. It also provides connection to other networks.
The Gateway Mobile services Switching Center (GMSC):

A gateway is a node interconnecting two networks. The GMSC is the interface between the
mobile cellular network and the PSTN. It is in charge of routing calls from the fixed network
towards a GSM user. The GMSC is often implemented in the same machines as the MSC.

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Home Location Register (HLR):

The HLR is considered as a very important database that stores information of the subscribers
belonging to the covering area of a MSC. It also stores the current location of these
subscribers and the services to which they have access.
Visitor Location Register (VLR):

The VLR contains information from a subscriber's HLR necessary in order to provide the
subscribed services to visiting users. When a subscriber enters the covering area of a new
MSC, the VLR associated to this MSC will request information about the new subscriber to
its corresponding HLR. The VLR will then have enough information in order to assure the
subscribed services without needing to ask the HLR each time a communication is
established.
The VLR is always implemented together with a MSC; so the area under control of the MSC
is also the area under control of the VLR.
The Authentication Center (AUC)

The AUC register is used for security purposes. It provides the parameters needed for
authentication and encryption functions. These parameters help to verify the user's identity.
The Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

The EIR is also used for security purposes. It is a register containing information about the
mobile equipments. More particularly, it contains a list of all valid terminals. A terminal is
identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). The EIR allows then to
forbid calls from stolen or unauthorized terminals
The GSM Interworking Unit (GIWU)

The GIWU corresponds to an interface to various networks for data communications. During
these communications, the transmission of speech and data can be alternated.

1.1.4 The Operation and Support Subsystem (OSS):

The OSS is connected to the different components of the NSS and to the BSC, in order to
control and monitor the GSM system. It is also in charge of controlling the traffic load of the
BSS.
However, the increasing number of base stations, due to the development of cellular radio
networks, has provoked that some of the maintenance tasks are transferred to the BTS. This
transfer decreases considerably the costs of the maintenance of the system.
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1:2 Problem Statement

Mobile operators in GSM networks use 900MHz frequency band as well as 1800MHz
frequency band. 900MHz frequency band results to 125 frequency pairs while 1800MHz
result to 375 frequency pairs. One frequency pair comprise of uplink and downlink
frequencies. Uplink frequency is used in signal transmission from the MS to the BTS while
downlink frequency is used to transmit signals from the BTS to the MS. These frequency
pairs have to be divided to all mobile operators. Allocation of frequency pairs or frequency
bands is done by TCRA.
Nowadays in our country there are about four large mobile operators namely
Airtel,Tigo,Zantel and Vodacom. The number of mobile phone operators can increase since
the number of MS user keep on increasing daily. Now since the number of mobile phone
operators has increased while the frequency pairs remain constant then there is scarcity of
frequency pairs.
Scarcity of frequency pairs, network resources and costs of operations affect network capacity
in that very few frequency pairs are assigned to the operator. Therefore there must be a way to
balance the whole network planning to ensure that network costs are minimized without
compromising the quality of service delivered to the users of the network.

1:3 Adapted Solution

This project aimed at exploring the various concept and steps that are done in the radio
network planning and optimizing the very few resources available so as to come up with an
optimal network which will minimize the operation cost while keeping the Quality of Service
(QoS) delivered to the customers high. This is by far the most optimal way of solving the
above problem stated.
Network planning can be described briefly as all the activities involved in determining which
sites will be used for the radio equipment, which equipment will be used, and how the
equipment will be configured. In order to ensure coverage and to avoid interference, every
cellular network needs planning.

1:4 The Scope of Radio Network planning

The radio network is the part of the network that includes the base station (BTS) and the
mobile station (MS) and the interface between them as shown in the next figure. As this is the
part of the network that is directly connected to the mobile user, it assumes considerable
importance. The base station has a radio connection with the mobile, and this base station
should be capable of communicating with the mobile station within a certain coverage area,
and of maintaining call quality standards. The radio network should be able to offer sufficient
capacity and coverage.

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Fig. 2 The scope of radio network planning.

1:5 What is Radio Network planning?

Radio system planning is a process that defines the stages-visits in the area, measurements,
planning, documentation, required to provide a desired radio network plan for a certain
geographical area.
The main aim of radio network planning is to provide a cost-effective solution for the radio
network in terms of coverage, capacity and quality. The network planning process and design
criteria vary from region to region depending upon the dominating factor, which could be
capacity or coverage.

To be able to penetrate the African mobile market TIGO has elected to supply a high quality
network wherever coverage is claimed. The main targets for the radio planning team are to
provide:
Good coverage
Sufficient capacity
High Quality (High Accessibility, Retainability and Availability KPIs)
Achieve the above 3 targets with optimized CAPEX deployment
In order to plan a good coverage simultaneously optimizing capacity and maximizing quality,
the radio system planning process and key parameters for this process have to be clearly
defined. The overall steps for radio network planning are then:
1) Dimensioning
2) Detailed radio system planning and
3) Optimization, each with a specific purpose.
The dimensioning is required to generally analyze the network configuration and to decide the
radio network deployment strategy. The more accurate the dimension is, the more efficient
will be network rollout. In the detailed radio system planning phase, the radio network is

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accurately designed and the radio network evolution requirements are considered in the
optimization and monitoring phase.
The quality of coverage is considered as acceptable if a commercial quality can be ensured in
90% of locations for an identified class.

Fig. 3 Types of services (designed according to operators marketing objectives)

The following table provides some recommended values of the parameters to be taken into
account during radio design activities.

Fig. 4 Fundamental Design Parameters

1:5:1 Dimensioning
The dimensioning exercise is to identify the equipment and the network type(i.e. technology
employed). Several traffic forecasts scenarios should be made to determine how to exceed the
coverage thresholds (in a new network) or the traffic history over the area has to be studied to
identify the traffic increases during the next years(in an existing network). For an efficient
network rollout, the equipment has to be ordered well before the planning starts (i.e. after
dimensioning), as the equipment orders are placed based on the dimensioning results.
Planning engineers should try to do very realistic/accurate dimensioning for each cell site.

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In order to study the coverage and capacity requirements for a specific area, it should be taken
into account:

The geographical area to be covered.

Coverage threshold (the estimated traffic in each region).
Frequency band(for the radio propagation 900/1800).
Path loss between the BTS and MS(from the power budget calculations).

For the coverage and capacity analysis it should be taken into account:

Total traffic over the coverage area.

Targeted maximum blocking.
Frequency band( the number of frequencies).
Frequency reuse(the maximum number of the frequencies at the BTS).

With the above parameters, the radio planner can predict the number of base stations that will
be required for coverage in the specified area to meet the individual quality targets, and to
meet the expected increase in traffic in the next few years.
1:5:2 Radio Network Detailed Planning
With the aim of MIC of designing a cost-efficient and high Quality of Service(QoS) radio
network, in this phase, the respective design and implementation are made. In order to achieve
the required goals for coverage and capacity it is necessary to choose and carefully plan the
following aspects:
Configuration planning
Coverage planning
Capacity and frequency planning
Parameter planning
Configuration planning:
The base station has to be configured based on both coverage and capacity requirements; the
required capacity features define the capacity related base station site elements(combiners
etc.) and the required coverage or dominance area defines the need for other coverage related
equipments(eg. Antenna gain, low noise amplifier(LNA), power amplifier(PA), diversity
reception).
As a result of configuration planning the base station site type(macro, micro, indoor), base
station antenna line(antenna height, single-, multi- band) and base station
coverage/dominance(services), for different areas and environments have to be defined.

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Coverage planning:
Configuration planning defines the base station site equipment for different environments.
The aim of coverage planning is to use the dimensioning results and the configurations
defined in the configuration planning to minimize the number of base station sites.
To begin with, environment limitations such as high buildings, hills or other obstacles are
considered in coverage area survey. The survey initially defines the critical base station site
locations and suggests strategies to cover the area. Then propagation measurements need to be
analyzed unless and only if there are measurements available about the area already. These
measurements are required to tune the radio propagation prediction model which is extremely
important when considering capacity and frequency planning along with the functions of the
radio network.
The candidate base station site locations are then defined. The site locations are called
candidate because there are no rental contracts yet for the sites and thus hypothetical site
locations have to be used based on the site survey, measurement and propagation prediction
results. Note that site contract negotiations and site construction take an average 4-6 months
and thus the measurements and candidate site selections and the whole coverage planning
process have to be started approximately 12 months before the launch of the planned sites
moreover, the process has to be initiated with the measurements because only they can ensure
accurate coverage planning.

Fig. 5 Coverage planning process

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Actual coverage planning contains the radio parameter input, radio prediction model set-up
and coverage area calculation for each base station. Parameter input includes all the required
parameters (calculated in the power budget-path loss and received power, cell range, coverage
threshold) to define either the optimized downlink or uplink transmission power from the base
station or mobile station antenna. Radio coverage planning is traditionally calculated in
planning systems (advanced software programs) in the downlink direction from the base
station transmitter to the mobile station antenna by defining the
Base station transmission power
Base station equipment and antenna line losses(combiner loss, cable loss)
Base station antenna height, direction, gain and tilting if it is used.
The radio propagation prediction model is then checked once more and tuned and finally the
base station coverage area is calculated by using the input parameter prediction model and
digital maps.
The last phase in coverage planning is to define the final coverage thresholds and the
coverage areas where these certain thresholds have to be covered. These thresholds also
finally define the coverage maximum distance between two base station sites.
Capacity and frequency planning:
Capacity planning is a very important process in the network rollout as it defines the number
of base stations required and their respective capacities. The number of base stations required
in an area comes from the coverage planning, and the number of transceivers required is
derived from capacity planning as it is directly associated with the frequency re-use factor.
The frequency re-use factor is defined as the number of base stations that can be implemented
before the frequency can be re-used. There are three essential parameters required for capacity
planning: estimated traffic, average antenna height, and frequency usage.
Traffic estimates:

Traffic estimation is based on theoretical estimates or assumptions, and on studies of existing

networks (i.e. experience). Traffic in the network is dependent on the user communication
rate and user movement in the network. The user communication rate means how much traffic
is generated by the subscriber and for how long. The user movement is an estimate of the
users use of the network in static mode and dynamic mode. Traffic estimation in the network
is given in terms of erlangs. One erlang (1 Erl) is defined as the amount of traffic generated
by the user when he or she uses one traffic channel for one hour (this one hour is usually the
busy hour of the network). Another term that is frequently used in network planning is
blocking. Blocking describes the situation when a user is trying to make a call and is not
able to reach a dialed subscriber owing to lack of resources.
Average Antenna Height:

If the average antenna height is low, then the covered area is small in an urban environment.
This will lead to the creation of more cells, and hence increase the number of times the same
frequency can be re-allocated. Exactly the opposite is the case in a macro-cellular
environment. Here the coverage area would be more, so the same frequency can be
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reallocated fewer times. All these calculations are based on the interference analysis of the
system as well as the topography and propagation conditions.
Frequency Usage and Re-use:

Frequency usage is an important concept related to both coverage and capacity usage.
Frequency re-use basically means how often a frequency can be re-used in the network. If the
average number of the transceivers and the total number of frequencies are known, the
frequency re-use factor can be calculated.
Example: Frequency re-use factor
If there are 3 TRX that are used per base station and the total number of frequencies
available is 27, then the total number of frequencies available for re-use is 27/3 = 9.
A good frequency plan ensures that frequency channels are used in such a way that the
capacity and coverage criteria are met without any interference. This is because the total
capacity in a radio network in terms of the number of sites is dependent upon two factors:
transmission power and interference. The re-use of the BCCH TRX (which contains the
signalling time slots) should be greater than that of the TCHs, since it should be the most
interference-free.

Fig. 6 Example of Frequency re-use

Parameter planning:
Parameter planning is actually a very short phase before the launch of the radio network
because the radio network parameter values are typically fixed and their values are based on
the measurements. Typically parameters are divided into subgroups like:
Signalling
Radio Resource Management
Mobility Management
Neighbor base station measurements
Handover and power control

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1:5:3 Optimization And Monitoring

It is necessary to gather some statistical data, when the network is up and running to define
configuration needs. The first target is to verify the coverage and to analyze whether it is good
enough. Next, the traffic over a certain area is studied and if the base station coverage is
overloaded (base stations are congested) it has to be analyzed together;
The traffic has to be balanced between the base stations or
More frequencies have to be assigned or
More base stations have to be implemented
The optimization phase is an adjustment process based on real life changes that were not
taken into account in the original radio system planning. When the actual coverage and
capacity have been measured the optimization work starts with an analysis of required base
stations for traffic and continues with the coverage analysis as in dimensioning. When the
radio network configuration is defined, based on these real parameters, operational
optimization can be started. In this operational phase coverage may be improved by:
Maximizing the base station site configuration
Moving the base station sites
Base station site capacities are directed at corresponding to the requirements by:
Defining the actual need for frequencies at each base station location
Balancing the frequency assignments at each base station
Defining the required capacity-related software features to improve capacity
When the base station coverage areas are satisfactory and the base station dominance areas
correspond to the capacity requirements the radio network is balanced.
The main focus of radio network optimization is on areas such as power control, quality,
handovers, subscriber traffic, and resource availability (and access) measurements.

Fig. 7 Radio network optimization

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Key Performance Indicators

For radio network optimization (or for that matter any other network optimization), it is
necessary to have decided on key performance indicators. These KPIs are parameters that are
to be observed closely when the network monitoring process is going on. Mainly, the term
KPI is used for parameters related to voice and data channels, but network performance can
be broadly characterized into coverage, capacity and quality criteria also that cover the speech
and data aspects.

1:6 Search Area Map

When network (coverage) is deployed, the following steps must be taken into account:
Defining the number of base stations needed to accomplish the coverage for a specific
location.
Example 1: Calculation of number of sites required in a region
A network is to be designed that should cover an area of 1000 km2.
The base stations to be used are 3-sectored. Each sector (cell) covers a range of 3.0 km
Thus, area covered by each site = k * R2.
Where: k = 1.95
Area covered by each site = 1.95 * 32 = 17.55 km
Thus: total number of sites = 1000/17.55 = 56.98 57 sites.

Defining areas of coverage for each base station and defining a search area in the
centre of each coverage area
Using a planning tool for first approach, but it is also essential to do a field exploration

When an existent network (capacity or coverage gap) is upgraded, the following steps must be
taken into account.
Performing a drive test
Identifying the gaps and congested areas
Defining a search area in the centre of each spot
Using a planning tool for first approach, but it is also essential to do a field exploration

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Fig. 8 Example of search area map

1:7 Site Candidates

To identify the site candidate, the following procedure should be used:
Get all information about construction restrictions for the search area
RF planner should visit the area and determine at least three candidates for each search
area objective
The candidate should be numbered and ordered by objective accomplishment
All information from the identified candidates should be passed to acquisition team
Make a competition survey in the surrounding area. Other operators location could be
a good spot for contract
A good candidate should allow 24*7 access, to the RF cabinet and antenna system.

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1:8 Site survey and site survey report

To do a site survey, the following procedure should be used:
Identify the base station objectives
Present a location map and if possible road directions from TIGO headquarters to BTS
Updated drive test to confirm poor coverage, by the received signal level(RXLEVEL),
received signal quality(RXQUAL)
Present the exact location with GPS coordinates and if possible mark the candidate in
a topographic map
Use a planning tool to present a coverage prediction example Mentum planet
Use a planning tool to present a coverage prediction(LOS)
Present photographs for sector orientations

Fig. 9 Examples of photographs for sector orientation

In case of rooftop BTS present photographs for sector placement

Present photographs for equipment/shelter location
Identify power distribution in the area
Identify fixed(leased) line of transmission in the area. If a Microwave link will be used
for transmission instead of a leased line, identify LOS for next transmission hop
Near the future antennas locations, create a 3600 panoramic photograph. Take a
picture every 300. As a standard each picture should have 2/3 land and 1/3 sky
maintaining the same height.
Identify line of sight (LOS) obstacles and present photographs for each. Mark them on
a 3600 map
Some site survey reports have first contractual proposal to the location owner.

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1.9 Site definition

In the site definition the following aspects should be covered:
Define coverage area boundaries
Define the technologies to be used( GSM 900, GSM 1800)
Choose the antennas for the base station, based on needed technology, gain, vertical
and horizontal beam width, electrical down tilt capacities, height, weight and others.
Optimize each sector orientation based on previous RF visit and planning tool
predictions
Calculate electrical down tilt(EDT) and mechanical down tilt(MDT) for each sector
Optimize EDT & MDT for each sector, based on planning tool predictions
Take in account the antenna horizontal beam width while defining each sector
orientation
Take in account the antenna vertical beam width while defining each sector tilt
Choose other antenna system if needed
Define tower and antennas height based on previous RF visit and planning tool
Define the radio equipment for the solution(Micro, macro) depending on the needed
coverage, implementation or budget
Choose between indoor BTS and outdoor BTS according to the implantation
Choose the type of RF cable to be used from the RF cabinet to the antenna system. It
should be used the lower loss cable as possible(defined by budget, implementation,
Tigo standard)
In case of any doubt and if possible, make a new visit to the BTS future location
Define the number of carriers per sector, based on traffic prediction for each sector
Keep in mind that in a multi-band antenna only the electrical down tilt can be altered
individually for each technology. Orientation and mechanical down tilt are the same.

1.10 Site acquisition

This stage is the most complex and of difficult execution and plays a key role in the entire
base station deployment. It implies selecting, negotiating and contracting a place(site) for the
BTS implantation and takes care of a series of objectives that are many times difficult to
conciliate.
Excellent localization from the RF project point of view
Available place for purchase or rent of long stated period, with all documentation and
accessible prices(many times the local owner does not have all documentation and
registries)
To comply with local legislation for licenses attainment with city hall and other
agencies
To mainly prevent high costs of civil implantation in the structural foundations and
reinforcements of BTS location
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Stated period of implantation

Project approval by all parties(local owner, RF team, civil works team, transmission
team, power supply team, local authorities)
Contract approval between the local owner and the operator.

Mngongo Josephat; 2009-04-03293; UDSM

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1.11 The Process Flowchart

START

DIMENSIONING

CONFIGURAT
ION
PLANNING

COVERAGE
PLANNING

DETAILED
PLANNING

CAPACITY &
FREQUENCY
PLANNING

OPTIMIZATION
& MONITORING

SEARCH AREA
MAP

SITE
CANDIDATES

SITE SURVEY
& REPORT

PARAMETER
PLANNING

SITE
DEFINITION

SITE
ACQUISATIO
N

END

Fig 10. Radio Network Planning Process Flowchart

Mngongo Josephat; 2009-04-03293; UDSM

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Chapter Two
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Conclusions:
Conclusively my training period was successfully attained. There are many things that we
actually learn theoretical that in application mean different that in my point of view I advice
all higher learning institutions to allow their students to undertake practical training before
they are employed.
Radio network planning widened up my knowledge about GSM networks. The doubts I had
about how networks works especially how subscribers receive the services and on how the
operators ensure good performance of the networks were cleared. On top of that I got to learn
deep about 3G networks and gladly now I can compare it with GSM networks and tell the
difference.
Despite of the few problems that were faced during the field program, overall the field went
well and there is so much that I have learned and I am glad I have something that would help
me in my future career as a telecommunication engineer.

3.2 Recommendations:
Despite of learning a lot of interesting things during my time at Practical training, I would like
to recommend on the following:
Firstly ETE department must increase its effort in finding practical training places for its
students. Communication companies are good for practical training because I saw that there
are for real a lot of practical works to be done and there are so many applications of the
theoretical knowledge that we get in lectures. I therefore recommend that; students should be
streamed more into communication companies during PT period.
Secondly for the case of the company it should provide more rooms for technical training
such as preparing the training schemes.
Third, regulations and guidelines for practical training, especially in report writing must be
revised. This will help students to come up with better reports especially P.T 3 reports which
must be different from P.T1 & P.T2.
Lastly apart from having an interview with our supervisors as the only way of judging
individuals P.T performance, our supervisors can try to observe how we do perform different
activities during the training period.

Mngongo Josephat; 2009-04-03293; UDSM

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REFERENCES:
An introduction to GSM networks from the book Cellular Radio Systems. Edited by
Balston and Macario and published by Artech House.
Ericsson networks manuals.
http://tigo.co.tz/.
Information from engineer Victor, engineer Renatus and Marco. Also information from the
plannings staffs.
Pocket Guide for Fundamentals and GSM Testing, Marc Kahabka, Wandel & Goltermann
GmbH & Co.
Radio Engineering Guidelines, Ericsson International, Aug 2006.
Second-generation Radio Network Planning and Optimization, WU097-Mishra, WU097Mishra February 23, 2004.
The GSM tutorial, Web document found in: http:/www.iec.org.
TIGO company manual.

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WEEKLY
REPORTS

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