Kent Police Force was due to adopt the new national, digital radio service provided by mmO2 Airwave. As the time approached to accept the service and trigger the 15 year payment plan, the Force was anxious to ensure that all was as the agreed acceptance criteria. Syntech Systems was engaged to represent the Force and independently analyse the coverage to ensure the required service would be delivered.

The Solution

Working co-operatively with the Force communications team, Syntech produced a programme of work to independently analyse data provided by Airwave as well as collect and analyse data from areas which the client had themselves identified.

A balance was needed that maximised the benefits that could be obtained from undertaking a series of independent drive test surveys vs the time and cost to undertake the work.

The approach chosen surveyed areas that historically had poor radio coverage or the Airwave propagation predictions indicated potential coverage problems. In addition to the 'hot spot' survey, a wider sample of roads was also surveyed to ensure that the contractual coverage provided met the required Grade of Service for the entire Force area.

Syntech were also asked to analyse the results of the drive-test data supplied by Airwave. Utilising our bespoke analysis tools and capabilities we were able to quickly identify several anomalies and together with the results of our own drive-test, provided a detailed report and evidence to the Force in advance of the planned acceptance date.

Business Challenge

One of the biggest challenges was to ensure data was inspected as near to real-time as possible. Syntech employed a method whereby this was possible so that any poor coverage areas could be captured and logged and the survey extended until a good level of service resumed.

Results

The combination of independent test, analysis and client representation at Airwave contractual meetings helped the Force achieve their RFS on time. The 'residual coverage issues' as they are known were subsequently incorporated in Airwave's remedial work plan following the RFS acceptance milestone.

Key Services

• Collection of drive-test data
• Analysis of drive-test data at near real-time
• Analysis of Airwave drive-test data using the CDR Reporting Tool

Client Testimonial

"Kent Police placed great emphasis on the coverage we should be getting from mmO2 and realises that this would form the basic building block from which all the benefits of Airwave would be delivered. We found the expertise that Syntech brought to the process invaluable. They produced clear and concise reports with supporting evidence and their presence at detailed discussions with mmO2 were of great benefit. With Syntech's assistance, Kent Police felt confident in signing the RFS."

Inspector John Kerbey, Airwave Project Manager
Kent Police