Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for determining if a wireless telecommunication system is operating at a reduced capacity is provided. The method and apparatus utilize call processing information associated with every sector/carrier within a CDMA base station to determine if any sector/carrier is operating at a reduced capacity while also being limited by power control (i.e., power control is blocking new users from gaining access to the sector/carrier even though the sector/carrier is operating at a reduced capacity). Thus, the method and apparatus detect blocking faults affecting the capacity of the CDMA system.

Abstract: Testing of the operation of a radio in a base station of a wireless communication network may be achieved without removing the radio from service and without utilizing a separate test radio. Data concerning call processing activities are collected during wireless communications. A failure condition on an overhead or traffic channel of a radio is identified by suitably accessing the collected data, processing the data and then comparing the results to expected values.