Signal Strength and Quality of Signal of Some Cellular Networks in Ogoni, South – South Nigeria

As the erratic nature of the cellular network services in Nigeria become increasingly worrisome, the signal strengths and qualities of four (4) available cellular networks operating in Ogoni, South – South Nigeria are compared to ascertain the network with a better signal strength and quality. Measurement of signal strength (γ) and quality of signal (Z) at one-hour intervals were made for the four networks using a GSM signal monitor, version 3.24 for android (a software to monitor and analyse the received signal strength index (RSSI) and quality of signal of the cellular networks). Results showed that the network with the highest values of signal strength has the best quality of service. The average mean signal strengths for the four networks obtained were of -86.25dBuV/m, -86.33dBμV/m, 86.71dBuV/mand -86.42dBμV/mfor MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat (9Mobile) respectively. Also, the average mean quality of signal for the four networks obtained were 43.38%, 43.33%, 43.25% and 43.25% for MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom and 9Mobile respectively. The study also showed that fluctuations in signal strength and quality of the cellular networks of interest were more profound during the off-peak hours of the day. Therefore, MTN was thought of as providing a better cellular network service in Ogoni as it had better signal strength and better quality of signal throughout the period of caring out this research.