A Spatio-Topographical Analysis of Mobile Network Quality in
the Rocky Settlements of Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State

Amir Abdulazeez; Christopher Ndabula

doi:10.56201/ijgem.v10.no7.2024.pg17.33

📄 Download Paper

A Spatio-Topographical Analysis of Mobile Network Quality in the Rocky Settlements of Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State

Amir Abdulazeez and Christopher Ndabula

Abstract

The Research is aimed at identifying the spatial distribution and variation of mobile phones network quality in the study area which is dominated by irregular topography, inselbergs and rock outcrops. To achieve this aim, fifty (50) sampled areas were selected in Dutsin-Ma Town based on the nature of their rugged terrain and rocky landscape. Smart phones were used to collect Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) data using systematic grid sampling technique to determine the network strength of MTN, GLOBACOM, AIRTEL, and ETISALAT. A total of one hundred (100) structured questionnaires were also distributed to residents to obtain the necessary information to validate the results from users’ perspective. The research found out that generally Dutsin-Ma is a not a town with good network as average (48%) and poor (36%) network quality dominates the area; only 16% of the areas have good network quality. From the questionnaire survey, majority (43%) of the respondents are using MTN because of its high quality and resistance especially in areas with rock outcrops. It was also found that areas around Motel, Gidan Ruwa, Hayin Gada, all of relatively moderate relief (512-578m) has the best Network; Unguwar Tsamiya, Dan Kauye and Tsohuwar Kasuwa have average Network while areas like Unguwar Alkali and Unguwar Wakaji have poor network quality. It was therefore concluded that network challenges in some areas have (in addition to other factors) a strong connection with elevation, rugged terrain and rocky landscape. However, in some few instances (Kadangaru and Makarantar Gabas), quality of some network like GLO and Airtel increases with altitude. It was also found that rugged terrains constitute a barrier to successful installation of masts in many locations. The research recommended adequate town and landuse planning that will ensure improved spatial distribution of masts for quality phone signals of all networks across Dutsin-Ma area.

Keywords

ElevationLandscapeNetworkEnvironmentDeterminismPossibilism

References

Abdulazeez, A., Ibrahim, A., Adamu, G.K, Kasim, A.A., Suleiman, U.A and Garba, R. L (2021) Evaluation of Landuse Impediments and Adaptations in the Rocky Terrains of the Extended Dutsin-Ma Region of Katsina State, Nigeria. Journal of Conflict Resolution and Social Issues 2 (1), 88-102. Abdulazeez, A., Ibrahim, A. and Adamu, G.K. (2018). Geography, Historical Settlements and Physico- Environmental Nature of Dutsin-Ma. In Adejo, A.M and Rabi’u, A. (Eds) Dutsin-Ma: Its Rise, Growth and Development (12-25). Department of History and Strategic Studies, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma. Gwatex Publishers, Benue State, Nigeria. Hillebrand, F. (Eds). (2001). GSM and UMTS, The Creation of Global Mobile Communications. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-84322-2. Colpaert, A. (2018). Areal Coverage Analysis of Cellular Systems at LTE and mmWave Frequencies Using 3D City Models. Sensors (Basel) 18(12): 4311. doi:10.3390/s18124311 Karanja, H.S., Misra, S. and Atayero, A.A.A (2023). Impact of Mobile Received Signal Strength (RSS) on Roaming and Non-roaming Mobile Subscribers. Wireless Personnel Communication 129, 1921-1938. Kum, D.W. (2010) Mobility-Aware Hybrid Routing Protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks. In the Proceedings of the 2010 3rd International Conference on Advances in Mesh Networks, 59-62. Ministry of Land and Survey Katsina State (2008). Reports on the Geography of Katsina State. Mishra, A.R., (2007). Advanced Cellular Network Planning and Optimization, 2G/2.5G/3G, Evolution 4G. JohnWiley& Sons Ltd, the Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex Po19 8sq, England. Mtaho A.B. and Ishengoma, F.R. (2011). Analysis of Quality of Service in Tanzania Cellular Networks, A Case of Dodoma Municipal, Journal of Informatics and Virtual Education (JIVE), Vol.1 P. 34 Pashtan, A., (2006). Wireless Terrestrial Communications, Cellular Telephony, Aware Networks, Inc., Buffalo grove, Illinois, USA, Eolss Publishers. P89 Popoola, J.J., Megbowon, I.O. and Adeloye V. S. (2009): Performance Evaluation and Improvement on Quality of Service of Global System for Mobile Communications in Nigeria. Journal of Information Technology Impact (JITI), Vol. 9, pp. 91-106. Rappaport, T. (1996). “Wireless Communications, Principles and Practices.” Prentice Hall, PTR Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.260p. Rappaport, T.S. (2002), Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, 2nd Edition, New Jersey, Prentice Hall Singapore. Sridhar, V. (2004): “Telecommunications Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Evidence from Developing Countries”, available at http:// ideas.repec.org. Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), (2013), 2013 Quarterly Statistics Reports. Zhang, J et al. (Ed). (2005). Cellular Networks, Handbook on Information Security: H. Bidgoli, john Wiley & sons Ltd.., the Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex Po19 8sq, England. Vol I, Part 2, P 654-663

A Spatio-Topographical Analysis of Mobile Network Quality in the Rocky Settlements of Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT