Neutral operators, Internet service providers and users alike are mainly concerned about two things when it comes to connectivity: the quality of service they receive – in terms of capacities, speeds and security – and coverage.

Fibre optic guarantees these needs and currently accounts for the bulk of infrastructure that gives us access to the Internet. But there are alternatives out there for those hard-to-reach areas, such as satellite connectivity. As such, the end goal of ‘total connectivity’, or the possibility of very-high capacity Internet access in 100% of our regions, is getting closer every day. But just how close are we?

On the hunt for network connectivity gaps

Fibre optic technology provides Internet access at speeds and capacities unthinkable even just 20 years ago. Similarly, 5G technology is further expanding the possibilities mobile connectivity gives us in an almost exponential manner. A future full of interconnected devices, where the Internet of Things, alongside artificial intelligence interacting with our environment, is a real possibility that’s already being rolled out.

But none of this will be possible if connectivity ‘gaps’ remain in the form of connectivity black spots, failures throughout various networks – whether physical or wireless –, and inconsistencies when transmitting data. One of the most effective ways to check actual coverage status is to use a vehicle covered in sensors driving along a predetermined route, carrying out precise network status diagnostics in a specific geographical area as it goes…

These drive tests, besides collecting real-time data on reception and coverage, also subject networks to tests related to use of services, acting just like an end user, including data transmission, app usage, quality of voice transmission, video conferencing, etc.

Drive tests to evaluate connectivity in Asturias

 One of Spain’s autonomous communities, the Principality of Asturias, has decided to evaluate the state of connectivity in their region with one of these drive tests. A vehicle equipped with four antennae will evaluate the extent and quality of Internet reception on all existing mobile technologies – from 2G to 5G – on a range of connected devices from service operators with their own networks in the area.

This way, they’ll be able to analyse the quality of mobile Internet browsing, the stability and clarity of voice calls, as well as the most popular apps used by end users, such as social networking and instant messaging apps.

Real connectivity data and measures adapted to our needs

The car tasked with conducting the drive test in Asturias will travel more than six thousand, three hundred kilometres on roads in the region over a period of four months, during which time it will make its way down all 541 public roads, just like the tech giants like Google do when mapping the country and updating their data and images.

Luis González, Director of the Principality of Asturias’ Public Telecommunications Infrastructure Management (GIPTA) company, explains that “although drive tests aren’t strictly speaking an engineering initiative, since they act like end users, they do allow vast amounts of data to be processed at the time to evaluate any deficiencies and improve services, where necessary”.

Once the real state of connectivity throughout the region is known, the responsibility will shift to political players. Borja Sánchez, Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities within the Principality, assures that, once the initiative has been completed, “the next step will be to develop specific plans for those areas where connectivity is poor”.

Is this to be the only monitoring exercise in Spain? Despite the resources required for this type of scheme, other similar initiatives are possible. While the private sector already sees drive tests as part of the usual state of play when it comes to checking quality of services and connectivity, the public sector will have to invest to guarantee 100% coverage throughout the country, with the objectives of the Digital Spain 2025 Strategic Plan looming ever closer on the horizon.