Radio Coverage Analysis of a 4G Network in Ambato's Center

Abstract

This study presents a radio coverage analysis of the 4G LTE network operated by Ecuadors National Telecommunications Corporation (CNT) in Ambatos Historic Center, a dense urban area with complex topography. Over a seven day period, field measurements of the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) were collected along 13 primary and 19 secondary streets using two mobile devices on mid-range and one low equipped with the Network Cell Info Lite application. Both pedestrian and vehicular scenarios were evaluated, and compliance with the regulatory parameter SMA-QoS-9, established by Ecuadors Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCOTEL), was assessed based on minimum power ( 100 dBm) and location coverage ( 95%). Results revealed that measured coverage fell below the regulatory threshold, with average compliance levels of 84.71% for pedestrian data and 76.77% for vehicular data, while simulated results based on official base station parameters reached 100% coverage. A 2.43 dB discrepancy in RSRP was observed between pedestrian and vehicular measurements, attributed to Doppler effects, signal obstruction, and multipath propagation. The proposed low-cost and accessible methodology is shown to be effective for in assessing real-world LTE performance, enabling operators and regulators to identify critical coverage gaps and calibrate network simulators. These findings support service improvement strategies and provide a foundation for efficient 5G NR deployment in similar urban environments.