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Spectrum efficiency (SE)* is the optimal use of spectrum or bandwidth so that the maximum amount of data can be transmitted with the fewest transmission errors.
In a wireless telecom network, spectrum efficiency equates to the maximum number of users per cell that can be provided whilst maintaining an acceptable quality of service.
* Spectrum efficiency is measured by bits/hz/cell, the number of bits transmitted per cell per sec per hz.
It is an industry standard KPI based on CQI and is used to assess the potential throughput of a cell/site/cluster/network defined by 3GPP (3GPP 25.214 for 3G and 3GPP TS 36.213 for 4G)
The global demand for wireless data traffic is continuously growing, and higher throughput is required from 4G as well as from the ongoing deployment of 5G.
The global trend of traffic shifting from voice to data is applying increased pressure on operator’s revenue and competition level. Operators have to continually find solutions that lower the OPEX and CAPEX whilst maintaining good service levels.
To remain competitive operators must maximize their existing capacity so as to defer and, where possible, avoid new investments in 3G.
It should be noted that Spectrum licensing is typically consuming circa 15% of an operators’ CAPEX .
Through a series of actions, assessment, analysis recommendation, these challenges can be met, improving the Spectrum Efficiency of both 3G and 4G.
The recommendations will be implemented 1st on a small cluster for monitoring then will be deployed network wide, again with continuous KPI monitoring.
The scope includes the following activities:
Our Engagement Model
Capacity gain, serving more users with higher throughput (20% to 30% throughput improvement).
Customer experience improvement.
Increased revenue streams for both voice and data services.
Improvement will be achieved without new investments (does not require hardware increase and/or new base stations).
Recommended SE range
3G
4G