Key Takeaway
HiCellTek enables multi-operator network benchmarking campaigns directly from Android smartphones. Measure and compare coverage (RSRP, SINR), throughput (DL/UL), latency, and VoLTE voice quality across multiple operators simultaneously. Expected outcome: benchmark reports ready in hours instead of days, with geolocated data immediately actionable. Key modules: Drive Test, Speed Test, RF Monitor, VoLTE QoE.
Multi-Operator Network Benchmarking with HiCellTek
Regulators, operators, and large enterprises need to objectively compare network performance across the same territory. This use case shows how HiCellTek simplifies 4G/5G benchmarking campaigns by making data collection and analysis faster and more reliable.
The network benchmarking context
A network benchmark consists of measuring and comparing the performance of multiple mobile operators on the same route or territory. Measured KPIs include radio coverage (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR), data throughput (DL/UL), network latency, VoLTE voice quality, and call/session success rates. Traditionally, these campaigns require equipped vehicles, multiple terminals per operator, and heavy post-processing.
Network benchmarking challenges
High logistics cost
A multi-operator benchmark requires an equipped vehicle, multiple measurement terminals per operator, a collection laptop, and a dedicated technician. A national campaign costs tens of thousands of euros.
Time-consuming post-processing
Aggregating data from multiple operators, normalizing KPIs, and generating comparative reports requires several days of processing by a specialized engineer.
Limited reproducibility
Network conditions vary over time (load, weather, events). Measurements taken at different times for each operator skew the comparison. Simultaneous measurement is ideal but rarely possible with legacy tools.
Indoor coverage neglected
Benchmarks are often limited to outdoor drive tests. Indoor coverage, though decisive for user experience, is rarely measured due to lack of suitable tools.
The HiCellTek solution for network benchmarking
HiCellTek transforms each Android smartphone into a professional benchmarking tool. Multiple devices with SIM cards from different operators can be deployed simultaneously on the same route to ensure identical measurement conditions.
Geolocated coverage campaign with automatic RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, PCI, EARFCN collection. Real-time coverage heatmaps for each operator. Export to Excel and QMDL for comparative analysis.
DL/UL throughput and latency measurement at defined reference points. Automated tests at regular intervals along the route. Results correlated with radio conditions for complete analysis.
Real-time radio KPI tracking for each operator: RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, frequency band, serving cell PCI and neighbors. Immediate identification of weakness zones.
VoLTE voice quality measurement (MOS, jitter, packet loss) to compare call experience across operators. Detection of drops and voice degradation.
Benchmarking workflow
Each technician carries one smartphone per tested operator. Devices are synchronized on the same route and run measurements in parallel. Data is collected in real time and synchronized via the HiCellTek cloud. The comparative report is automatically generated at the end of the campaign with per-operator heatmaps and side-by-side KPI statistics.
Expected results
Based on measured capabilities of the HiCellTek platform.
Android smartphones instead of dedicated RF scanners and equipped vehicles.
Parallel measurements for identical test conditions.
Immediately actionable data, no post-processing needed.
Outdoor drive test and indoor walk test in the same campaign.
Who is this for?
Telecom regulators
Regulatory authorities conducting national benchmark campaigns to monitor operator quality of service.
Mobile operators
Benchmarking teams measuring their network performance against competitors to identify improvement areas.
Large enterprises
IT departments choosing an operator for critical sites (factories, warehouses, offices) based on objective measurements.
Related use cases
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