The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced completed the 2010 mobile networks drive test from the latest series of independent mobile network benchmarking tests, which show that both UAE operators Etisalat and Du have improved service levels to customers in 2010. TRA is committed to ensuring both quality and variety in telecommunication services throughout the UAE. This is an essential part of the long term plan to help the UAE become a recognized regional ICT hub.  The authority is also keen to ensure that the terms of licences are well adhered to.

The latest series of extensive benchmarking tests, which continue from the successful series of 2009, provide more detail on the quality of the services delivered by the two operators. The new results show that both have delivered better coverage and service levels for UAE consumers in all key measured areas since the last series of tests in 2009.

The benchmarking programme, which measures the performance and service levels provided by each network operator, was carried out by driving test vehicles more than 11,000 kilometers across the UAE between April and July in 2010 and making more than 32,000 voice test calls attempts. This programme simulates the user experience.

Mohamed Al Ghanim, TRA Director General said: “the survey results provide a realistic picture of the development achieved in cellular mobile networks in UAEduring 2010. The latest international methods and technologies had been used while conducting the survey to ensure the maximum degree of credibility.”

“The TRA's benchmarking programme allows us to measure the progress being made to provide world-class mobile telecommunications services to the UAE's consumers. We are very happy to confirm such good progress by both mobile networks, and pleased that our investment in this programme continues to ensure excellent service to the people of the UAE."  added Al Ghanim.

Additionally, the new tests included a stronger focus on mobile data service performance, to ensure that consumers are receiving suitable mobile broadband availability and promised download speeds.

Benchmarking of such service allows the TRA to confirm that each licensee meets quality standards of performance required by their licenses and helps to ensure that telecommunications services provided throughout the UAE are sufficient to satisfy the demands of the public.

To ensure that the testing provides a fair comparison of the service provided by the mobile networks and that it provides a reliable basis for the encouragement of ever improving quality of service throughout the UAE, the TRA has employed a “state of the art” test equipment that has been used in more than 160 organizations and 70 countries. The equipment measures “key performance indicators” that directly relate to the public’s experience through simulating a user experience, including network coverage, dropped calls and the clarity of calls.

TRA is currently discussing those results with the Licensees in order to identify the areas of possible improvements in both Licensees’s mobile networks; furthermore the TRA will share the details of the survey’s results with the Public as part of its transparency model.