<![CDATA[Growing demand for data services is prompting mobile network operators to provide Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks that can balance service coverage with network capacity. This study analyses the impact of frequency band variations on the performance of 4G LTE networks operating at 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz in the Padang Timur sub-district. Atoll simulation was employed to evaluate the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) parameters, as well as throughput. Meanwhile, Monte Carlo simulation was utilised to analyse network capacity based on user distribution. The simulation results show that the 900 MHz frequency provides the best coverage performance, with the entire study area falling into the 'Excellent' category based on the RSRP and SINR parameters. However, service capacity at this frequency is relatively low, with a connected user percentage of 13.6 % in the Monte Carlo simulation. In contrast, the 2100 MHz frequency provided the best capacity performance, with a connected user ratio of 73.8 % and a cumulative application throughput of 1,104.06 Mbps. The 1800 MHz frequency demonstrated performance falling between the two frequency bands. The research results indicate a trade-off between coverage and capacity due to variations in frequency bands. Monte Carlo simulations provide a more realistic representation of user distribution than deterministic capacity dimensioning when evaluating network service capabilities. Based on these results, the 900 MHz frequency is better suited to providing coverage, while the 2100 MHz frequency is better suited to providing capacity in the study area.]]>
