CTIA released results of study Wed. of wireless network performan...

shared with FCC. Telephia Pres. John Oyler told reporters that research found wireless customers in “core” urban markets could place, hold and complete wireless calls 95.8% of time. In suburban areas studied, percentage was slightly lower -- 95.7%, he said. Study examined markets that represented 15% of U.S. population (40 million people). Research, which was compiled at behest of CTIA, examined mix of markets between Nov. 1999 and April 2001, with call durations of 2 min., including calls made during rush hours and on secondary roadways. Of calls examined, calls were dropped 4.2% of time in suburban areas and 2.4% in urban core areas, Oyler said. Similarly, calls were blocked 1.4% of time in core areas, versus 2.4% in suburban areas. Wheeler said positive network performance documented by Telephia indicated that industry “has put its money where its mouth is” on service quality. In last year, CTIA estimates that industry collectively has spent $18 billion to improve and upgrade its networks. Figures in study are particularly positive in light of rapid industry growth, including 24% increase in subscribers in last year to current 118 million, Wheeler said. “Clearly this shows that that $18 billion is working and competition is working,” he said at press lunch. “The spectrum shortage can only have an impact on those numbers going forward,” he warned, reiterating group’s call for national spectrum plan and relaxation of spectrum caps. Report comes as service quality issues have gained higher profile both within industry and at FCC. At recent FCC meeting, Wireless Bureau Chief Tom Sugrue said his bureau had been working with Consumer Information Bureau on finding ways to place informal complaints on issues such as dropped calls into categories that are easier to track. He said number of complaints received by FCC didn’t seem to be disproportionate to subscriber increases but that consumer expectations for quality of service appeared to be increasing. Verizon Wireless CEO Dennis Strigl also said recently that industry must pay more attention to service issues to stave off regulatory intervention (CD June 5 p1). Wheeler said report sends message to FCC that industry is attentive to service quality issues and is willing to provide benchmark that can compare different aspects from one period to another. Telephia study monitored total of 200,000 phone calls, running through drive tests in each market twice, Oyler said. Measurement categories included: (1) Audio quality of 2-way conversations. (2) Dropped calls, which covers whether call or not is completed. (3) Blocked calls, addressing ability of user to get open line to place call. (4) Coverage, defined as ability of phone to detect presence of network and place and receive calls.