Preliminary analysis of 1.8 GHz measurements for personal communications

In late 1989, licences were issued for the next generation of mobile phones, known as personal communication networks (PCNs). PCN systems utilise the microwave band in the region of 1.5 to 2.5 GHz. Uncertainties exist over the spatial and temporal variability of PCN coverages in this band. In general the coverages are expected to be smaller than those of a similar installation working at 950 MHz. Within the main coverage area, pockets of poor service or `holes´ may be more commonplace. To explore these uncertainties and test the efficacy of existing path loss prediction models, a comprehensive series of narrowband field strength measurements is being carried out. The author describes the preliminary analysis of the measurements collected so far, and the initial conclusions reached