There is a saying in our profession stating that " as long as it works, don't touch it!" Of course, this is not recommended in real life and usually used for joking and memes but in this case it is worth noting that you have to trade off the users convenience and undisrupted service and the urgency of the network upgrade. So, it might be a good idea to know a priori the users patterns of usage and avoid performing this upgrade in the rush hours and postpone it until the network usage is at the minimum level. On the other hand, if the network situation is already bad and there are many complains, go ahead and notify the users of the outage possibility due to network upgrade and try to do it as quickly as possible.

During a mobile network upgrade in a busy area, it's crucial to prioritize user experience and operational efficiency. Scheduling the upgrade during off-peak times, like late at night or early in the morning, reduces disruptions. Using temporary infrastructure, such as portable cell towers, maintains coverage during the upgrade. Communicating with users beforehand about the upgrade and possible downtime options increases transparency. Monitoring network performance and addressing any problems promptly ensures a smooth upgrade process. This balanced approach considers both technical needs and user satisfaction.

Plan meticulously: Schedule upgrades during off-peak hours to reduce impact on users. Use traffic data to identify optimal times.Implement phased upgrades: Upgrade equipment in stages to ensure parts of the network remain active, reducing the risk of total outages.Deploy backup systems: Set up temporary backup systems to maintain coverage and performance during critical phases of the upgrade. Communicate with stakeholders: Keep customers, vendors, and team members informed about potential disruptions and timelines, providing regular updates.Monitor and respond quickly: Use real-time monitoring to identify and address issues immediately, minimizing any unexpected downtime.

To minimize service disruptions during a mobile network upgrade in a busy area, engage stakeholders early, ensuring transparent communication and setting expectations. Use phased implementation, scheduling work during off-peak hours. Apply agile or hybrid methods to adapt quickly to issues. Perform a comprehensive risk assessment and have mitigation strategies ready. Use rolling wave planning for flexibility and consider fast-tracking or crashing if delays occur. Conduct pilot testing in limited areas and use real-time monitoring for quality control. Deploy temporary infrastructure to maintain coverage during the upgrade like COWs (Cell Over Wheels).

To minimize service disruptions during a mobile network upgrade in a busy area, I’d schedule upgrades during off-peak hours, implement phased rollouts to maintain coverage, and set up temporary backups where needed. Proactive communication with users about potential downtime would also help manage expectations and reduce impact.