Proposal:Cell reception

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mobile_reception
Proposal status: Rejected (inactive)
Proposed by: Nickkatchur
Tagging: mobile_reception=*
Applies to: node, area
Definition: Provide a value of cell phone reception at a location. To be used specifically with recreational interests.
Statistics:

Rendered as: hidden
Draft started: 2023-08-06
RFC start: 2023-08-06


Proposal

Add a mobile_reception tag that defines 3 levels of cellular phone reception coverage. While there are a large number of "strengths" of cellular coverage, it is possible to categorize them as a few simple options.

This tag is specifically indicative of mobile phones, not related to other wireless signals or broadcasting options.

Origin

This tag idea came from the original issue with trip planning at campgrounds. Many campgrounds (national and public) are in remote areas or in "fringe" areas outside of developed locations. It is of significance for planning purposes to know when cellular devices are unable to be used or limited in their abilities. Additionally, it is beneficial to be able to find locations with cellular service in order to contact emergency services or other individuals.

Rationale

A significant rationale for the use of OSM for many users is the ability to utilize the database offline. The intent behind these tag is to allow users to be able to:

  1. Utilize the database in trip planning in order to be aware of limited/no mobile phone coverage in areas and at certain locations.
  2. In emergency (or non emergency situations), utilize a portion of the database offline in order to find locations that do have cellular coverage in order to make emergency calls or reach services.

Tagging

This tag should only be used within: tourism=camp_site, highway=trailhead, information=visitor_centre, and tourism=camp_pitch. The tag is intended to describe mobile phone reception at facilities or limited areas. Mappers should keep in mind this tag is primarily about helping end users identify useful ability to use a cellular device. It is not intended to be established on a technical basis.


Mappers should intend to verify tags while outside in an attempt to relay the most realistic scenario for the POI. Specifically, the tag should not be utilized to indicate signal strength within a building, but rather the general ability to use a cellular device at the POI.

Tagging the key
mobile_reception=yes This node or area has significant cellular reception and is reasonable to assume or confirmed that all major service providers in the relevant area are able to be reached.
mobile_reception=limited This node or area has limited cellular reception. One of the two qualifiers are met:
  1. Either one or more major service providers in the relevant area are unable to be reached.
  2. Users are able to do at least one, but not all, of the following:
    1. Send and receive text messages
    2. Make voice calls
    3. Reach internet services
  3. Services are intermittent and result in varying results.
mobile_reception=no This node or area has no cellular phone reception by any service provider.

Additional Tagging

This tag recognizes that there exists additional information that is valuable to users. These additional keys are intended to be optional, but would enhance the database and would provide valuable information for additional tools.

Additional Tagging Models
Key Value Comment
strength excellent/good/low/issues/none This tag enables mappers to indicate the strength of service in a more detailed, but subjective format. The following descriptions were derived from the United States National Parks Service:
  • Excellent Coverage <excellent>: Clear voice connection; data service sufficient for media streaming (where applicable); no drop-outs within the site/facility. The level of service expected in a major city. Normal social media photo/video upload speeds.
  • Good Coverage <good>: Uninterrupted voice connection; consistent but possibly weak/slow data service; rare and/or very small drop-outs at site/facility. Signal may not show as full-strength across site/facility. Slower social media photo/video upload speeds.
  • Some Coverage <low>: Phone calls may occasionally drop; text messages may be delayed. Data service may be unusable. Drop-outs are common and it may be necessary to search for signal. Social media likely unusable.
  • Major Issues <issues>: Phone calls drop frequently; text messages delayed. No data, or mostly unusable data. Signal may be limited to small areas of site/facility. No social media.

Rendering

No initial rendering options are intended. It is intended that a standard set of icons will be available for use at a future data for signal strength.

Features/Pages affected

No pages or features are intended to be directly affected. It is intended that this tag will be listed as a "see also" tag on the following pages:


The related tag internet_access=* should be referenced to provide the ability to mark the availability of local internet access and WLAN.


Additional pages may be added as a result of this proposal.

Possible Sources

  • The United States National Park Service provides review services for their managed campgrounds. This allows users to indicate cellular coverage strengths for each location. Further investigation will be needed to determine the licensing information of this data. Example: Elkmont Campground Reviews

External discussions

Comments

Please comment on the discussion page.

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