Sat, 20 Jun 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jul 9, 2025 · 14:44
Business India News Updated Jul 9, 2025

Committed to ensure that service quality keeps pace with consumer expectations: TRAI

TRAI's latest drive tests reveal stark differences in telecom performance across Himachal Pradesh, with Airtel and Jio outperforming competitors. The regulator recorded impressive 5G speeds exceeding 570 Mbps in urban hotspots while exposing BSNL's network reliability issues. Over 785 km of real-world testing covered highways, railways, and dense neighborhoods to mirror user experience. TRAI Chairman emphasized these benchmarks will push operators to align services with rising consumer expectations.

New Delhi, July 9

As India rapidly transitions into a digitally connected economy, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday released its Independent Drive Test (IDT) findings for the Himachal Pradesh Licensed Service Area (LSA), covering extensive routes during the month of May.

The drive tests, conducted under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office, Delhi, were designed to capture real-world mobile network performance across diverse usage environments – Urban Zones, Institutional Hotspots, Public Transport Hubs, and high-speed Corridors.

TRAI teams conducted detailed tests across 116.6 kms of city test, 283.9 kms of highway test, 384.8 kms of railway test, 5 hotspot locations and 2.3 kms of walk test. Technologies evaluated included 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, reflecting the service experience of users across multiple handset capabilities.

The overall mobile network performance in Una and Mandi were found to be mixed. Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have call setup success rate of 98.90 per cent, 93.29 per cent, 98.70 per cent and 95.48 per cent, respectively in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).

“Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have drop call rate of 0.67 per cent, 15.69 per cent, 0.66 per cent and 2.03 per cent respectively in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).

“5G data services also delivered encouraging results in city hotspots, with peak download speeds reaching 572.97 Mbps and upload speeds touching 62.30 Mbps,” according to TRAI data.

Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, said that “TRAI remains committed to ensuring that service quality keeps pace with consumer expectations. These IDT results reflect actual user experience, help benchmark operator performance, and guide necessary network improvements.”

The tests were conducted using TRAI-calibrated equipment and standardised protocols in real-time environments.

In Una and Mandi, the assessment included high-density neighbourhoods like Barnoh, Dangoli, Jal Gran, Jhalera and Lal Singhi etc., in Una and Pakhri, Kunnu, Narla, Padhar and Kotropi etc., in Mandi.

—IANS

— IANS

Reader Comments

Shreya B

Good initiative by TRAI 👍 But why only Himachal? Rural areas across India need better connectivity. My village in Odisha still struggles with basic 2G service. Digital India should mean equal access for all!

Aman W

The 5G speeds look impressive, but what about pricing? Jio and Airtel keep increasing tariffs while service quality remains inconsistent. TRAI should regulate prices too.

Priya S

As a Mandi resident, I can confirm network issues persist. During monsoon, connectivity becomes worse. TRAI's data matches our daily struggles. Hope this leads to actual improvements on ground.

David E

Interesting to see such detailed testing methodology. In my country, we rarely get this level of transparency from telecom regulators. India's approach could be a model for others.

Karthik V

While the report is comprehensive, I wish TRAI would publish real-time network quality maps like some European countries do. That would really empower consumers to make informed choices.

Neha E

The focus on tourist areas is good, but what about remote villages? Many elderly residents depend on mobile connectivity for healthcare services. TRAI should prioritize underserved regions too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked