Nawras Network efficiently handles record traffic during Eid Holiday

Nawras, the Sultanate’s customer friendly communications provider, is justifiably proud of its sophisticated communication network built by industry leaders, Ericsson. The high quality of the network was tested and proven during the recent Eid holiday, at which time the network was pushed to the limits due to extremely heavy traffic and yet performed admirably, without any problems or lowering of standards. Benchmarked to be amongst the top 10% in most of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) measured by Ericsson in a recent survey of 110 Ericsson mobile operated networks worldwide, Nawras was placed at number one in three of the parameters, including the record of the least number of dropped calls

Director of Radio Planning, Mr. Leif Olsgaard, confirmed, “This was the second year in a row with no congestion, capacity problems or quality problems for Nawras customers over the Eid period. Performing at such high levels with record usage clearly proves the world class quality of the Nawras network.”

The full extent of the network quality is even more impressive when coupled with the fact that such excellence was achieved in a near world-record time. A mere 12 months to construct a network of such quality and reliability. The Nawras network was rolled out for the launch of commercial service on 16th of March 2005.

The radio planning department at Nawras successfully handles the network by focusing on the accumulation of the right skills, distribution of responsibility and positive feedback from customers having their needs exceeded. Although being one of the smaller departments at Nawras, resources are excellent with the most modern tools and the ability to carry out real time solutions to measure and resolve any network malfunction, ideally before the customer even notices any shortfall from their side.

The Director of Radio Planning leads the project-orientated department at Nawras, coordinating his multi-cultural team with the chief objective of ensuring that the network fulfils all quality and expansion targets to exceed customer expectations. Those responsible for upholding the high quality of the network include Mr. Saif Khalfan Al-Shukri, Radio Optimization Engineer who liaises with the Customer Service Centre Champions to investigate and solve any network difficulty that may have caused the customer to experience less than the usual high standards set by Nawras. Mr. Saleh Salem Al-Manhi, Senior Radio Planning Engineer for Nawras, is responsible for radio network planning, a role that encompasses monitoring current working sites and determining the ideal locations for new sites.

Mr. Olsgaard explained that Nawras will continue to stay ahead with the data quality speed by deploying sites which are needed by customers and using the latest available technology. He elaborated, “With a mixture of nationalities combining a wealth of global experience responsible for this world class network, together with a commitment to remain at the cutting edge of technology, Nawras customers will continue to benefit from the high quality of the Nawras network. They can look ahead to even more exciting developments in the future to enhance their telecommunication activities.”

The network is vital to Nawras because it represents the backbone of the company, supporting all the various functions that Nawras fulfils. Tests are continually undertaken to monitor performance. On a six-monthly basis, the performance of the Nawras network is compared with the network of other mobile providers throughout the world, to continually ensure that quality standards remain amongst the best globally. Walk tests are regularly undertaken to ensure optimum indoor coverage inside important commercial buildings such as shopping malls and the city’s major hotels. Nawras even carries out a Sail Test! This is to monitor sea coverage in the off-shore areas from Qantab to Buraimi. There is very good coverage in the five kilometre range and a good level of coverage in a ten kilometre range which may surprise a lot of people, but not the grateful fishermen who are delighted to use their mobile phones so successfully when working at sea.
 

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