Visualizing Cellular Coverage: A Key Tool for Regulatory Agencies in Closing Access Gaps

In the pursuit of Universal Access and Service (UAS) in mobile networks, regulatory agencies play a crucial role in encouraging Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to extend their coverage. UAS is about ensuring that every person, regardless of their social class, ethnicity, background, or physical disabilities, has equal access to cellular services and the benefits they bring.

Different publications, including The World Bank's Telecommunications Regulation Handbook, the GSMA Association, and Intelecon's work on Universal Access, highlight the importance of addressing Access Gaps and the necessary interventions that regulatory agencies must undertake to improve UAS. One key concept is the market efficiency gap, which refers to the disparity between the potential service reach in an ideal, fully liberalized, and efficient market, and what is currently achieved under existing conditions. This gap can often be bridged through private service provision, provided that regulators and policymakers create an enabling environment. This includes ensuring fair competition, fostering a positive fiscal and investment climate, and implementing pro-market reforms. These efforts allow operators to extend their services to a broader area without requiring subsidies, effectively closing the market efficiency gap.

While many countries have made significant strides in narrowing this gap through competitive service provision, the challenge lies in understanding the true commercial reach of the market and optimizing the implementation of pro-market conditions to push these boundaries.

To translate these regulatory goals into actionable steps, one of the most critical tools for both regulatory agencies and mobile operators is the ability to accurately monitor cellular coverage. This is where Flycomm Networks comes into play.

Flycomm provides an advanced and user-friendly platform that enables real-time monitoring of cellular coverage across all technologies, MNOs, and locations. This platform is invaluable in visualizing the current state of coverage, identifying gaps, and assessing the impact of planned infrastructure developments. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on physical simulations using cranes (expensive and time-consuming) or computerized simulations based on digital maps (often outdated), Flycomm’s solution offers an efficient and up-to-date view of coverage, helping both regulators and operators make informed decisions.

For telecommunications regulation agencies, having access to such a tool is essential for effectively guiding MNOs in their efforts to expand coverage, ultimately ensuring that UAS goals are met and that everyone can benefit from modern telecommunications services.

For more information on how Flycomm can support your regulatory needs, please contact us at info@flycomm.co.

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