Abstract: A method for providing data to a user comprising communicating, from a radio access network to a Minimization of Drive Tests (“MDT”)-channel-communicative sensor device, at least one MDT signal selected from the group consisting of an MDT configuration signal and an MDT control signal. The method also comprises generating, at least in part in response to the MDT signal and using an onboard sensor of the MDT-channel-communicative sensor device, sensor data comprising non-MDT data. The method also comprises receiving at least a portion of the sensor data into the radio access network over an MDT channel and communicating at least the portion of the sensor data from the radio access network to the user.

Abstract: A system for sensing an environmental parameter at a cell site of a cellular communication network and transporting corresponding data over an operations and maintenance (“O&M”) channel of the cellular communication network comprises a remote radio head and a sensor operably coupled to the remote radio head to receive electrical power from the remote radio head and transmit sensor data corresponding to the environmental parameter to the remote radio head. The sensor is operable to use at least some of the electrical power to generate the sensor data and is operable to use at least some of the electrical power to transmit the sensor data to the remote radio head. The remote radio head is operable to provide the electrical power to the sensor, is operable to receive the sensor data, and is operable to transmit operations and maintenance data and the sensor data over the O&M channel.

Abstract: A system for sensing an environmental parameter at a cell site of a cellular communication network and transporting corresponding data over an operations and maintenance (“O&M”) channel of the cellular communication network comprises a remote radio head and a sensor operably coupled to the remote radio head to receive electrical power from the remote radio head and transmit sensor data corresponding to the environmental parameter to the remote radio head. The sensor is operable to use at least some of the electrical power to generate the sensor data and is operable to use at least some of the electrical power to transmit the sensor data to the remote radio head. The remote radio head is operable to provide the electrical power to the sensor, is operable to receive the sensor data, and is operable to transmit operations and maintenance data and the sensor data over the O&M channel.

Abstract: A method for providing data to a user comprising communicating, from a radio access network to a Minimization of Drive Tests (“MDT”)-channel-communicative sensor device, at least one MDT signal selected from the group consisting of an MDT configuration signal and an MDT control signal. The method also comprises generating, at least in part in response to the MDT signal and using an onboard sensor of the MDT-channel-communicative sensor device, sensor data comprising non-MDT data. The method also comprises receiving at least a portion of the sensor data into the radio access network over an MDT channel and communicating at least the portion of the sensor data from the radio access network to the user.