Comparison of 5G performance post-merger between two network operators using field tests in urban areas

Abstract

In late Q1/2023, DTAC and TRUE officially completed their merger. Consequently, this study was initiated to ascertain whether their respective fifth-generation (5G) networks had been seamlessly integrated several months following the merger. The investigation involved conducting drive tests along two predefined routes within the urban areas of Bangkok, employing the G-NetTrack pro tool for testing and data collection. Additionally, stationary tests were conducted in two crowded places using an application called Speedtest. Subsequently, an array of quality of service (QoS) metrics, including reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to noise ratio (SNR), download (DL), upload (UL) speeds and latency, were meticulously analyzed and presented. The findings of this study unveiled that, despite the successful completion of the DTAC and TRUE merger from a business standpoint, the technical integration of their respective 5G networks had not been finalized, although there were no significant differences between DTAC and TRUE for DL (p-value=0.542) and UL (p-value=0.090). Notably, significant differences were found between DTAC and TRUE for four metrics, including RSRP, RSRQ, SNR and latency (p-values<0.05). Remarkably, roaming functionalities were still operational between the two networks.