Coverage comparison of UMTS networks in 900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands

Network operators´ growing interest in deploying UMTS in 900 MHz is driven by better coverage compared to UMTS at 2100 MHz, especially in rural and new areas. Lower frequency bands provide a number of benefits, such as better radio wave propagation, improved indoor coverage, cost efficient electronic devices and above all enormous CAPEX savings. This paper presents a coverage comparison between UMTS networks in 900 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency bands. Three key performance indicators, i.e., Pilot RSCP, E_c/I_o and SIR are formulated and further employed to compare the expected coverage of these networks. The analyses are conducted by using AIRCOM International´s radio network planning tool, ASSET. The results are presented in terms of RSCP and SIR coverage, highlighting the benefits of UMTS in 900 MHz band.