BIPT produces coverage maps showing the expected signal coverage for mobile networks based on data provided by the operators. Following field tests carried out by BIPT (road tests), these are compiled into the ‘atlas’, which is based on the most optimal conditions without network congestion. The maps are published twice a year.

As the mobile signal is influenced by numerous factors (landscape features, structures it has to penetrate, possible network congestion, the type of device being used, etc.), the signal strength experienced by the user at a particular location may, in practice, differ from that indicated in the atlas.The detailed map shows, in a grid format, the presence of a mobile 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 mobile 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).

DIGI’s coverage map is currently unavailable, but will be published in the near future.

Certain operators use a network management technique called RSRP boosting aiming at improving the performance of their 4G and 5G 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.