Mobile Networks are in constant change with new sites added, new frequencies, and new technologies. A great tool to understand network coverage, performance, and competitiveness to other operators is to collect drive test data running use case scenarios and scanner data. The process is labor and time intense but the outcome data is invaluable. Although crowdsource and switch traffic data may provide some of the data provided by a drive test campaign but it is sporadic data points.

In a recent benchmark project, a fleet of specially prepared drive-test vans were deployed to drive major routes within each market boundary on monthly basis and compare mobility and network performance KPIs. The project created a wealth of information that enabled engineers to react and resolve network mobility issues.