Site Qualification Test (SQT)

The Site Qualification Test (SQT) is an integral part of any RF system
design. Even in the age of massive computer modeling, it is still essential
that every system has some form of transmitter or site qualification test
conducted. The fundamental reason behind requiring a test is to assure
that the site is a viable candidate before a large amount of company capital
is spent on building the site. This test is also required to make sure the site
will operate well within the network. The financial implications associated
with accepting or rejecting a transmitter necessitates a few thousand dollars
expended in the front end of the build process. If a site is accepted that
will not perform its intended mission statement, additional capital will
need to be spent to accomplish it.
Based on the volume of sites required within a specified time frame, it
may not be possible to physically test every cell site candidate. Therefore, it
is essential that a goal be defined as to many sites should be physically
tested. The establishment of a goal for physically testing or using a propagation
model evaluation will help establish the risk factors associated with
the building of the network.
Regardless of whether a site is to be physically tested or evaluated
through a computer simulation, several stages need to be done in this
process. It is very important that the SQT be performed properly since this
will determine the cost of the potential facility, which could range from
$500,000 to $1.
It is strongly recommended that the RF engineer responsible for the final
site design visit the location prior to any SQT taking place. This site visit
will facilitate several factors. First, the engineer will now have a better idea
of the potential usefulness of the site and its capability to be built. He or she
can also provide more accurate instructions to the testing team.
It is strongly recommended that the RF engineer does not design the test
on the fly by telling the testing team where to place the transmitter and
which routes to drive. The desired approach is to have the engineer determine
where to place the transmitter, either as part of the tower or rooftop,
and the location for the crane. The RF engineer then puts together his or
her test plan, identifying the location of the transmitter antenna, the ERP,
the drive routes, and any particular variations. The test plan is then submitted
to the manager of the department for approval and is then passed to
the SQT team.