AMMAN - A new system enabling people across the Kingdom to test the signal strength of various wireless services in their area is expected to be launched in late September following technical delays, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).
The TRC told The Jordan Times Sunday it was taking required procedures to launch the system by next month.
Mohammad Alwathiq Shaqrah, director of the TRC radio spectrum management department, said in previous remarks that the system is ready and the maps are being checked by the Royal Geographic Centre.
The new automated meter will allow the public to gauge the coverage of wireless communication services offered in the country, including WiMax, Third Generation, FM and TV broadcasts.
In order to utilise the new system, people across the Kingdom can access the TRC website or the websites of major service providers and enter their city, street name and building number, according to Shaqrah.
Once the information is submitted, a window will appear highlighting the signal strength of various wireless services in the vicinity, enabling residents to make informed decisions regarding the services that best suit their area.
The system will also inform the public of plans for future radio base stations that will boost services in their area.
According to the TRC, there are over 10,000 radio stations in the Kingdom used for cellular, WiMax, broadcast and other transmissions.
In 2009, the TRC received 175 complaints regarding weak mobile coverage.
Omar Awni, a mechanical engineer who lives in Wadi Seer, said the new service is "good" but doubts whether many people will use it.
"For example, I currently have Internet and the telecom network I use has a perfect signal," he told The Jordan Times on Monday.
Suhaib Abu Samra, a University of Jordan student, commended the service, saying that he will use the signal tester and recommend it to his friends.
"I am planning to get an Internet connection in our house and this system will help me find out which is the best provider in our area in Jabal Taj," he said on Monday.
"Many of my friends complain about weak mobile coverage and Internet disruptions in the neighbourhood. I will recommend this service to them and I am sure many will use it," he added.
By Mohammad Ghazal
© Jordan Times 2010
