RCom, Tata best in network reliability: Nielsen

The Nielsen Company has revealed in its findings that Reliance Communications is the number one service provider in network reliability in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, while Tata Communications ranks first in Uttar Pradesh. The findings are based on Nielsen’s network Benchmarking programme in India known as Nielsen Consumer Experience Mobile Test Program. The program measures wireless network performance for all national and select regional telecom operators, covering nearly 100 million people in the country.
The results indicate that out of 18 circles (regions of operation) tested on reliability, a clear leader exists in just four circles and in ten out of eighteen circles tested. There is a tie for first place for network reliability. In the remaining four circles, there is neither a clear leader, nor a tie for first position.
The programme, launched in India in August 2008, measures the performance and quality of top six service providers across India by taking into consideration voice and data networks.
As per the company’s release, the study shows that in India there is a huge disconnect between what is important to consumers and what is being focused on by operators. Due to this consumers don’t know who the market leaders are in network quality in their circle and are compelled to make choices based on popular perceptions.
“The Indian service providers are in a frenzy to capture market share as quickly as possible. Thus, new service providers will find it difficult to gain market share in the crowded wireless market. They will face challenges in terms of high subscriber acquisition costs, lower ARPU customers and lack of adequate spectrum quality. Getting superior network quality and communicating the same to the consumers will prove helpful,” said a spokesperson in the statement.
Nielsen’s Consumer Experience Mobile Test Program data has been integrated with its Mobile Consumer Insights data to understand the customer perception of a service provider compared to its actual network performance. The Nielsen Mobile Consumer Insights survey indicates that network satisfaction is driving overall satisfaction with services, offered by the service providers, and has increased from 50 per cent in the latter half of 2008 to 54 per cent in the first half of 2009.