ere new technologies need to be introduced in mature networks. Advanced Cellular Network Planning and Optimisation Edited by Ajay R Mishra © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd Radio Network Planning and Optimisation Network planning project management Network Construction Telecom Pre-launch planning acquisition implementation optimisation Network planning roll-out process Field test Installation team Field test measurement measurement Commissioning and integration Network operator Figure 2.1 Network planning project organisation The background of companies offering network planning services for operators is diverse. One group are the equipment vendors with the newest technical information about the equipment and technology. Another group are consultancy companies, who offer network planning services. These companies are independent from the vendors, which is on the one hand an advantage but on the other hand a disad- vantage. When there needs to be selection between different vendors, the fair choice for cooperation is an independent consulting company. Network planning services are in some cases also offered by basic infrastructure firms, who are also involved in building the network (refer to Appendix A for more information on the roll-out projects). 2.1.2 Network Planning Project Organisation The network planning project organisation is based on the network planning roll-out process steps. The final target of the network planning roll-out process is to deliver a new network for the operator according to the agreed requirements. The process steps, inputs and outputs will be discussed in more detail later, as well as network planning tasks and deliverables. Here the general frame of the roll-out process will be introduced. The network planning project organisation is pictured according to network planning roll-out process flow in Figure 2.1. The roll-out process applies both for individual base stations as well as for the whole network. Due to the limited time in the project, bases stations need to be managed in groups