Analysis of Interference Sources and Their Impact on GSM Networks in Kano State Industrial Zones

Radio frequency interference from industrial machinery, power equipment, and unauthorized transmitters poses a significant threat to the reliability and quality of GSM telecommunications networks in industrially dense environments. This study analyzes interference sources and their impact on GSM network performance in the Sharada and Challawa industrial zones in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Spectrum monitoring was conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer at six industrial zone locations and four control locations in adjacent residential areas over three weeks. Interference sources were characterized by frequency, power level, and operational pattern. Simultaneously, call quality data were obtained from NCC monitoring records and through drive test measurements across the industrial areas. Results identify variable frequency drives, industrial welding equipment, and unlicensed FM repeaters as the three dominant classes of interference sources in the measured bands. Signal-to-interference ratios fell below the GSM standard minimum of 9 dB at 35% of industrial zone measurement points during active industrial hours. Drive test measurements confirmed significantly elevated call drop rates of 8.3% in industrial zones compared to 2.9% in adjacent residential areas, suggesting a direct causal relationship. Recommendations include deployment of dedicated interference monitoring units by NCC in high-risk industrial zones, mandatory shielding requirements for radio-frequency-emitting industrial equipment, and enforcement against unlicensed transmitters. Keywords: radio frequency interference, GSM network, industrial zone, Kano State, spectrum monitoring.