BIPT produces coverage maps for mobile networks based on data provided by the mobile operators. These data are checked and corrected based on drive tests carried out by BIPT before each update.

The detailed map shows, in a grid format, the presence of a signal based on its strength: no signal, sufficient signal (outdoor coverage), good signal (indoor coverage) or very good signal (deep indoor coverage), this by operator and by technology.

The map by zone shows the presence of a signal based on its coverage level, from 0% to 100%, again by operator and by technology with an additional selection of the desired signal quality and selected zone based on coverage in terms of territory (area), population (number of inhabitants) or households (number of houses).

Certain operators use a network management technique called RSRP boosting aiming at improving the performance of their 4G networks. The impact of RSRP boosting on the performance can be positive or negative, depending on the circumstances. Operators can choose different strategies concerning RSRP boosting. The latter can be used, with different degrees of intensity, throughout the national territory, or in parts of it. This difference in strategy has an impact on coverage maps. The coverage of operators using RSRP boosting seems indeed better than the coverage of operators who do not implement it.

RSRP boosting also increases the number of bars indicating the coverage quality, displayed on smartphones. Therefore, even if the signal is shown in orange (satisfying) in an area, the quality of user experience may not be optimal. In order to obtain a more complete picture regarding quality, BIPT also measures the quality of experience on mobile networks. Furthermore, it complements its coverage survey with the collection of data directly coming from the field.