Analysis of the Signal Strength of the Key Telecommunication Networks in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of mobile phones in Nigeria, the quality of network services, particularly signal strength, remains inconsistent across different parts of Nigeria especially Nasarawa State which is the gateway to Abuja the Federal Capital. This study analyzes the signal strength coverage levels of key telecommunication network providers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria using the Signal Strength Info App for 4G mobile Networks base stations located in Urban, Sub-Urban, and Non-Urban environments of Nasarawa State. The study focused on five selected Local Government Areas including Nasarawa, Karu, Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga. The data was analyzed to determine the mean signal strength for each network in each LGA and to identify trends and patterns in signal strength across the different networks and LGAs. The results shows that the order of service coverage for urban areas is higher in Lafia (AMN & CMN>BMN>DMN), followed by Karu (AMN>BMN & CMN>DMN) and Keffi (CMN>AMN & BMN>DMN), while for sub-urban areas Nasarawa (CMN>AMN>BMN>DMN), and for non-urban areas Akwanga (CMN & AMN>bmN>DMN). This implies that, AMN & CMN have the best service coverage across the urban terrain, while CMN have the best service coverage across the sub-urban terrain and AMN & CMN have the best service coverage across non-urban terrain. Findings from this study have revealed that, service coverage in Nasarawa State is best at the non-urban terrain, followed by the urban terrain, while it is poor at the sub-urban terrain. Overall, AMN and BMN networks have the best signal quality service across Nasarawa State with signal strength coverage levels of 51.91% and 50.95% respectively, followed by CMN (47.74%) and DMN (21.55%). The findings highlight the importance of improving network infrastructure and BTS placement to enhance signal strength coverage, especially in sub-urban areas. Therefore, telecommunication companies should invest in improving their network infrastructure, strategically place BTS and consider environmental factors that may affect signal strength especially DMN network.