A comparison of predictive and measured KPIs using a GIS tool

Abstract

The fast-growing telecommunications industry is facing a multitude of challenges in order to adapt in an ever-changing business environment. The advent of 5G, as well as IoT (the internet of things) is a game-changer in this ever-evolving industry, with businesses continuously needing to re-define themselves to keep up with industry trends and consumer demands. Planning and monitoring a 5G network is one of these challenges. Predictive data is of significant importance for any modern company, especially in the telecommunications sector. Such data is used to reduce any inefficiencies and increase revenue. Certain key-performance indicators (KPIs) are also used in marketing strategies, building models for the future, and keeping up to date with prevailing industry trends. GIS (geographical information system) tools have a myriad of applications in industries such as telecommunications, urban planning, and transport management amongst many others. A GIS tool in a telecommunications context will help visualise KPIs (key performance indicators) and related data on a web based geoportal that would be user-friendly and highly accessible for end-users. A ‘geoportal’ may be described as an interactive map which displays information related to a certain context; in this particular case a geoportal will display data related to base stations and devices connected to the network. This study was carried out in collaboration with GO p.l.c. which is a major player in the telecommunications industry in Malta. Predicted data and measured data, was accessed from the network, and displayed on interactive GIS maps to allow KPIs to be monitored and help maintain the network. The GIS tool was also interfaced to predictive models and allow predicted and measured KPIs to be measured and used to predict faults.