Understanding Cellular Architecture

• Cellular architecture by its very nature calls for a contiguous arrangement where signals are transmitted from one site to another like a chain – handoff of signals from one site to the next contiguous site while the subscriber moves.

• No voids (blank pockets) can exist as it will result in call disruption since calls will drop due to poor reception of signals in the handsets.

• Cell radius – typically 500 m – 1 km: anything closer would lead to interference and result in poor quality of service.

• As the number of users increase and their need for mobile communications results in higher traffic, which calls for increase in no. of cell sites.

Typical Cellular Network in Delhi – an illustration

Initial Stages (1-2 years) Later (3-5 years onwards)

Cell Site in NDMC / LBZ area Less number of subscribers.

Less traffic generated by few subscribers.

Cell radius comparatively large.

Cell site density less.

Cell Site in MCD area Subscribers increase rapidly (4-10 times or more).

Traffic generated increases substantially.

Cell radius reduces in size.

Cell site density increases.

NDMC / LBZ area – important constituent of Delhi networks

• Forms the core – central part of Delhi – therefore it cannot be a void. Must be crossed for travel between North – South or East – West or vice-versa.

• VVIP area - Government offices, courts, residences of Ministers / Bureaucrats / Diplomats, embassies / foreign missions - LBZ is the hub of decision-makers.

• Central business and tourist destination – Government offices, business community, hotels, tourist attractions, etc. Emergency services – hospitals, fire, police.

• RF planning in network design mandates cell sites within LBZ to maintain quality of service – without this there would be disruption which would lead to chaos in the most important area of the city. No service to the VVIPs / businessmen / tourists, common man, etc.

Sharing of Infrastructure

• Delhi operators on an average share 15% of their total sites with each other. Brings about economies in CAPEX / OPEX.

• All operators continuously explore possibilities of sharing of cell sites.

Limitations:

• RF Planning varies between operator to operator - location, height and distance of cell sites is variant between each operator – is dependent on subscriber base and traffic in the network.

• Radio interference problems may crop up leading to poor QoS / no service.

• Structural safety norms allow only two operators to share a single site.

MCD Guidelines framed

Compliant by all operators:

• One-time permission charges of Rs 1 lac per cell site.

• Structural safety certificates to be given with application for all sites from any of these - IIT (Delhi), CBRI (Roorkee), RITES (Delhi), NCBM (Faridabad), IIT (Roorkee).

• Operator is solely responsible for any damage to the building and public safety.

• Fire safety / lightening, etc to be taken care of by operators.

• Agreement between Site Owner and the Operators to be furnished to MCD.

• Generator sets at the site should conform to noise and emission norms prescribed by DPCC.

• Site approvals granted earlier on unauthorised buildings / sites is at the risk of the operator – MCD reserves right to demolish such buildings without notice to the operators.

• Sharing of infrastructure to be encouraged so as to minimise multiple towers.

NDMC expresses concern over aesthetics

• • •

Insert photographs of Old / new sites.

Camouflaged sites.

Some best practices being followed by Indian operators.

NDMC – Operators Partnership

Win-win situation for all:

• NDMC can gain revenues from operators for site approvals through one-time permission charges (Rs 1 lac per cell site).

• NDMC can lease on commercial terms their buildings, commercial complexes, schools, dispensaries, etc for cell sites – additional revenues to NDMC (approx. Rs 25,000 per month per cell site).

• Operators will benefit through better coverage, better Quality of Service, increased usage.

• Customers remain connected at all times – customer “delight” and no complaints.

NDMC to formulate their Guidelines for Cell Site Approvals for LBZ and NMDC areas in an expeditious manner for unhindered growth in telecom services by all operators in Delhi.