Spatial Telecommunication and GIS Viewshed Analysis of Cellular Network Towers within Nasarawa Town

Abstract

Effective telecommunication is essential to the economic growth of any settlement. Spatial telecommunication, encompassing cellular networks, satellite communication, and wireless internet access, relies heavily on the strategic placement of cell towers/masts to ensure optimal signal coverage. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer powerful tools for analyzing these spatial relationships between the location of the towers and signal coverage. This study explores the synergy between spatial telecommunication and GIS viewshed analysis, a technique that identifies areas visible from a specific vantage point obtained by integrating viewshed analysis with other geospatial data which help telecommunication companies to optimize network design, minimize infrastructure costs, and bridge the digital divide in geographically challenging areas. It also uses GIS viewshed analysis to scrutinize the signal coverage of the four major telecommunication networks in Nasarawa town. The study area has seven districts namely Tammah, Gunki, Oversea, Cikin Gari (Main Town), Unguwan Biri, Student Village and Mangoro Goma in which at least three masts were identified and studied in each. The study used GPS field survey and On-Site questionnaire methods to gather data. The handheld GPS devices was use to pinpoint the exact locations of all the telecommunication towers in the study area.  Interviews were conducted at each tower location to collect additional details about the towers themselves and their network operators. A total of twenty-two (22) telecommunication towers/mast belonging to four major telecommunication operators namely Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN), Airtel, Globacom Limited (GLO) and 9Mobile (formerly Etisalat Nigeria) were identified and used for this study. Results shows that Globacom network towers were better spatially distributed with its signal covering 31% of the study area, followed by Airtel, MTN and 9Mobile with 26%, 23% and 20% respectively. Globacom produce the highest signal coverage due to a greater number of independent cellular network tower. Rural areas around Nasarawa town often lack access to quality telecommunication infrastructure. GIS analysis can identify underserved communities, guiding strategic telecommunication tower placement to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable economic opportunities. By examining Nasarawa as a study area, we were able showcase the transformative potential of GIS viewshed analysis in driving economic development and paving the way for a more digitally connected future. The study finally paved way for telecommunication tower optimization and efficient network coverage.