In this series, we’re exploring the latest SmartTools updates and what they mean for our users.
Updates on our AI capabilities are covered separately. The latest version is available to read here.
Catch up on previous updates:
1. Visualise in-building coverage using crowdsource data
Our new in-building layers combine crowdsourced data with building footprints to visualise indoor network coverage, without the need for an on-site survey.
The layers provide a straightforward view of whether coverage is available within a building and how the network performs once indoors. SmartTools users can quickly identify variations caused by buildings, locate areas of weak performance and assess whether an existing in-building solution is working as expected.
These layers also enable rapid analysis across high-traffic locations such as stadiums, railway stations and hospitals. This is particularly valuable where surveys may be impractical, including residential properties, or where the scale of testing required would make traditional surveying cost-prohibitive.
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2. Model the impact of removing a site/sector
Users are now able to see how the removal of a given site/sector will affect the performance of the network using crowdsourced data.
To view the data for a site, users can click a site then select the Select Site folder. This will bring up the following three options:
- Site Service Area – Shows only hexagons for which the given site is measured as the dominant site (i.e. the site with the highest number of measured samples within the 25m bin)
- NTQ Impact (Site Service Area) – Shows only hexagons where there are measurements connected to the site. It then removes these measurements to show what the impact of removing the site would be. The hexagons are then re-coloured based on the new dominant site, and any hexagons where the only measurements came from the selected site are coloured grey.
- NTQ Impact (Across Area) - Removes the measurements of the site from all the hexagons and recolours them based on the new dominant site. Any hexagons where the only measurements came from this site are coloured grey.
These options are also available for each sector.
3. Effectively manage network optimisation activities
The Radio Planning and Optimisation (RPO) tool provides a centralised workflow for managing network optimisation activity, replacing processes previously handled with spreadsheets.
High-level network issues or objectives are recorded as tasks, with specific engineering activities created as linked actions. Users can assign ownership, define affected areas and network elements, capture symptoms and root causes, add notes and track implementation timelines. Each action remains linked to its parent task, providing a traceable record from the original issue through to completion and review.
Search, filtering, import and export tools help teams manage larger volumes of work, while map-based views show where optimisation activity is required. This gives planning and engineering teams a clearer, more consistent way to prioritise work, monitor progress and coordinate follow-up activity.
4. Aggregate data by map areas, custom-drawn polygons, building layers and postcode areas
The Area Summary feature brings together crowdsourced measurements to provide a consolidated view of network performance within a selected location. Users can generate summaries of a defined area, viewing either operator-owned crowd data or third-party measurements for benchmarking across all mobile networks.
The feature now supports circular or rectangular map areas, custom-drawn polygons, building layers and postcode areas, making it possible to analyse locations that more closely reflect real operational boundaries. Summaries include 4G and 5G measurement tables, map-based data visualisations and a demand score indicating where connectivity or additional capacity may be most needed.
Users can also export the results as a ready-made Word report, helping teams compare operators, identify areas for further investigation and share findings with stakeholders.
5. A new way to identify areas with poor coverage
The Coverage Gap Analysis feature uses crowdsourced network data to identify areas with poor service or coverage.
It can analyse performance across all operators or focus on an individual operator, highlighting locations where poor coverage coincides with a high volume of measurements and strong demand indicators. The feature allows users to quickly locate potential ‘not spots’ in the network and present them to users in order of priority based on the scoring logic. Teams can then focus investments on areas that have the greatest impact by using measured performance and demand evidence.
Accessing These Features:
User Guide Library:
SmartTools user guides are available here: https://support.metricell.com/kb. If you have previously contacted the Metricell Helpdesk, an account will already exist.
Existing customers:
If you would like to enable or learn more about any of the features listed above, please speak to your account manager.
Prospective customers:
If you would like a demo or want to discuss a specific capability, please email us at marketing@metricell.com or submit an enquiry via our website.
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