{"id":15254,"date":"2024-02-23T12:48:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T12:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/public-policy\/?p=15254"},"modified":"2026-06-02T11:11:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T10:11:22","slug":"quality-of-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/public-policy\/mobile-policy-handbook\/business-environment\/quality-of-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Quality of service"},"content":{"rendered":"

Background<\/h3>\n

The quality of a mobile data service is characterised by a few important parameters: speed, packet loss, delay and jitter. It is also affected by factors such as mobile signal strength, network load and user device and application design.<\/p>\n

Mobile operators must manage changing traffic patterns and congestion because these normal fluctuations result in customers experiencing different levels of service quality.<\/p>\n

Connection throughput is viewed by some regulatory authorities as an important attribute of service quality. However, it is also the most difficult to define and communicate to users. Mobile throughput can vary dramatically over time, and throughput is not the only product attribute that influences consumer choice.<\/p>\n

Debate<\/h3>\n

Is it necessary for regulators to set specific targets for network quality of service in competitive markets?<\/em><\/p>\n

Is it possible to guarantee minimum quality levels in mobile networks that vary over time, depending on the volume of traffic being carried and the specific local signal- propagation conditions?<\/em><\/p>\n

Which regulatory approach will protect the interests of mobile service customers while not distorting the market?<\/em><\/p>\n

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Industry position<\/h3>\n

Competitive markets with minimal regulatory intervention are best able to deliver the quality of mobile service that customers expect.Regulation that sets a minimum quality of service is disproportionate and unnecessary.<\/p>\n

The quality of service that mobile consumers experience depends on many factors and some of these are beyond the control of mobile operators, such as the type of device, application and propagation environment. Defining specific quality targets is neither proportionate nor practical. Mobile networks are technically different from fixed networks because they make use of shared resources to a greater extent and are more traffic-sensitive.<\/p>\n

Mobile operators need to deal with continually changing traffic patterns and congestion within a finite network capacity, where one user\u2019s traffic can have a significant effect on overall network performance.<\/p>\n

The commercial, operational and technological environment in which mobile services are offered is continuing to develop. Mobile operators must have the freedom to manage and prioritise traffic on their networks. Regulation that rigidly defines a particular service quality level is unnecessary and likely to affect the development of these services.<\/p>\n

Competitive markets with different commercial offerings and information that allows consumers to make informed choices deliver the best outcomes. If regulatory authorities are concerned about service quality, they should engage in dialogue with the industry to find solutions that strike the right balance of transparency and quality of service.<\/p>\n

Resources<\/h3>\n

The Quality of Mobile Services in Latin America, GSMA, February 2015<\/a><\/p>\n

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