In a digitized world, the quality of Internet service (QoS) is key to ensuring a stable and fast connection. Chile, recognized for its leadership in the telecommunications sector in Latin America, has taken a crucial step by creating an Independent Technical Organization (OTI) to measure the QoS of connections in the country.
Use Case: Internet QoS Measurement
Problem Statement
With the Internet acting as the bearer for all forms of communication channels around the world, the quality of service (QoS) becomes the most important parameter to ensure reliability, but over a multi-technology deployment, maintaining a stable QoS becomes a challenge.
Realization Approach
Ensuring QoS across multiple access technologies, different connectivity interfaces, and various operating systems is possible with an advanced measurement system that captures data across different technologies to provide instant insights on network performance analysis and speeds evaluated through background measurements.
Solution Space
Accurately assessing the Internet quality at a regional and national level provides a more transparent mechanism for users and helps rank service quality among different operators and regions. Overall, it leads to regulatory optimization and greater competitiveness.
Featured Test and Measurement Solution
MedUX is a global leader in Quality of Experience (QoE) testing and monitoring. They offer a suite of hardware, software and SDK based solutions for telecom operators, regulators and enterprises to test, benchmark and monitor next generation networks.
The OTI has been responsible for implementing and managing a measurement system in the country to monitor compliance with the obligation to guarantee a minimum Internet access speed that users should receive in accordance with the contractual conditions of their plans.
This project, driven by the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (SUBTEL) and the Representative Committee of Internet Access Service Providers (Chile Telcos), aims to ensure that providers comply with the speeds and service quality committed to users, aligning with the Minimum Guaranteed Speeds Law 21.046.
Why is Monitoring Internet QoS key?
Many users experience issues such as low speed, high latency, or connection loss. The OTI aims to identify these types of incidents with a multiplatform measurement system that not only evaluates speed but also key QoS parameters such as latency, jitter, website access time, and network stability.
A Pioneering Project in Latin America to Measure QoS
In November 2022, the consortium formed by MedUX and Microsystem won the bid to lead this QoS measurement project. With this, Chile joins countries like Germany (BNETZA) and the United States (FCC) in implementing an independent Internet quality monitoring system.
✔ MedUX: A global company specialized in measuring Internet quality, with advanced technology and experience in other countries.
✔ Microsystem: A leader in data processing and the operation of critical systems in Chile, ensuring efficient implementation.
Together, they guarantee transparency and accuracy in measurements, providing objective data to improve connectivity in Chile.
How QoS Measurement Works with a Multiplatform Approach
The OTI system is based on a multiplatform strategy that allows the quality of connectivity to be assessed using various measurement methodologies.
The main components include:
- Multiplatform Applications: Applications that allow users to measure the speed and quality of their connection at any time from all types of terminals and operating systems. They are available for download via this link.
- Operator Integration APIs: Programming interfaces that enable applications to communicate with service providers’ systems to compare measurements with subscription conditions.
- Fixed and Mobile Probes: About 500 devices deployed across Chile for continuous and independent QoE measurement.
- Measurement Infrastructure with National and International Reach: Servers distributed throughout Chile, within and outside operators’ networks, at interconnection points, and outside the country to ensure precise measurements that reflect users’ complete experience based on their location.
VMGChile Applications: Measuring QoS in Any Environment
To accurately assess Internet quality, it is essential to measure beyond speed. The VMGChile applications (referring to the Minimum Guaranteed Speed), as part of MedUX’s measurement solutions, are designed to capture data across different technologies, interfaces, and platforms.
- Measures all access technologies in mobile and fixed networks: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, FTTH, HFC, xDSL.
- Evaluates different connection interfaces: cellular network, Wi-Fi, and wired via Ethernet.
- Compatible with multiple platforms: Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, MacOS, and devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
Key Features of VMGChile Applications
The VMGChile applications offer an accessible and reliable measurement experience for Chileans, allowing them to evaluate their connection performance through different screens and functionalities:
- Information on Terms and Permissions: Users are informed about the measurement methodology and necessary permissions are requested for proper data processing and application functionality.
- Main Application Menu: A clear interface allows users to explore different options within the application.
- Connection Tests: Users can choose between an instant measurement or an average network performance analysis, evaluated through background measurements to ensure representativeness.
- Measurement History: The application stores past measurement results, displaying details such as date, connection type, and service provider.
- Detailed Analysis: Statistical values of upload and download speed, latency, jitter, website access time, and other quality of service parameters are presented.
- Subscription Data Query: The application exchanges encrypted measurement information with the Internet provider via APIs to determine if the committed conditions are being met.
- Report Generation: Users can download a detailed report with their measurement results. If a breach of the minimum committed speed thresholds is detected, this document can be used as evidence to file a complaint with their Internet operator.
How MedUX Solutions Strengthen QoS Regulation and Consumer Protection
Beyond providing tools for users, MedUX plays a key role in regulating the quality of Internet service in Chile.
With this system, it will be possible to:
- Monitor compliance with speeds committed by operators.
- Rank service quality among different operators and regions.
- Conduct semi-annual statistical analyses to bring transparency to the market and develop improvement plans for telecom service provider networks.
- Audit and oversee service quality objectively.
- Empower consumers with verifiable data about their connection.
Impact on Consumers and the Telecommunications Industry
The implementation of this QoS measurement system will generate significant benefits:
- Greater Transparency: Users are informed about the quality of service different operators offer when contracting an Internet plan.
- Consumer Empowerment: Reliable data will support complaints against operators.
- Regulatory Optimization: SUBTEL will have accurate information to help improve digital infrastructure.
- Greater Competitiveness: Operators will be incentivized to enhance their services to stand out in the market.
This post was originally published in MedUX.
