ABSTRACT
This research investigated the effects of greater ground conductivity and increased foliage on mobile networks. The wet season is known to be characterised by greater ground conductivity and increased foliage due to the increased moisture content. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signal strength measurements of two networks were taken during the dry season at particular points and these measurements were repeated during the rainy season. These data were then processed to determine the relationship between the signal strength and ground conductivity and foliage. To ensure greater accuracy of results, two networks (Airtel and MTN) were evaluated. Furthermore, signal strength measurements were conducted in rural areas around Kaduna. The results obtained were compared with those of Kaduna Metropolis. GSM signals were discovered to suffer greater losses during the rainy season due to increased foliage and greater ground conductivity. Losses of between 5 dBm and 10 dBm were observed in rural/suburban areas while the losses observed in the metropolis were between 0dB and 4 dBm. These losses, though not significant in urban areas, were quite significant in the rural/suburban areas. An inverse relationship was also established between increased foliage/greater ground conductivity and GSM signal strength within a particular environment. Finally, the results obtained were compared with the Wiessberger and Iternational Telecommunication Union (ITU) models and reasonable agreement with these foliage models was observed.