The high of demand for telecommunication services, causing the density of data traffic and the expansion of Long Term Evolution (LTE) network is one of the methods to overcome that problem. LTE network expansion requires additional frequency. LTE network expansion can be implemented in several available frequency options including 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2600 MHz.
In this study, the benefit and cost analysis will be carried out for the implementation of the LTE network with two research scenarios. The best frequency band will be analyzed with the technical approach using capacity planning and coverage planning and for the economic side using techno-economy calculations. Frequency band recommendations was obtained by using the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART).
The results of the technical side for the first and second scenarios, showed that the values of the RSRP frequency for 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2300 MHz are in the very good category because they are greater than -70 dBm, while for the frequency 2100 MHz it is in a good category. The SINR values for the four frequencies are in the normal category and the throughput values are in the very good category. The results of the economic side for the first scenario, showed that for frequencies 700 MHz and 1800 MHz are feasible for LTE implementation but the 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz frequencies are not feasible, while in the second scenario the four frequencies are in the feasible category for LTE implementation. Frequency recommendation decisions are made using the SMART method and shows that the 700 MHz frequency in both scenarios has a superior value compared to the other three frequencies, neither in a technical nor economic perspective.
Keywords: LTE, Cost and Benefit Analysis, LTE Planning, Simple Multi Atrribute Rating Technique.