The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the findings of its Independent Drive Tests (IDTs) conducted in April 2025. These tests covered nine cities and surrounding highway corridors across seven Licensed Service Areas (LSAs), including Palakkad, Varanasi, Delhi (city and highway), Cuttack, Jodhpur, Patna, Gangtok, and Pakyong. 

 

These assessments form part of TRAI’s routine Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring to evaluate real-time performance of mobile networks. The drive tests were carried out using standardised protocols and calibrated equipment under direct TRAI supervision, covering a range of real-world conditions. 

 

The tests, executed by a TRAI-appointed agency, analysed both voice and data services across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. The scope included city drives, walk tests, highway coverage, and hotspot areas. Networks operated by Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL/MTNL were assessed in both auto-select and locked modes as per testing requirements. 

Key Parameters Covered: 

Voice Services: Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, Call Silence Rate, Speech Quality (MOS), and Coverage. 

Data Services: Download and Upload Throughput, Latency, Jitter, Packet Drop Rate, and Video Streaming Delays. 

Cities such as Palakkad, Varanasi, and Cuttack showed strong network performance across all operators, with Drop Call Rates kept within 2%, meeting regulatory benchmarks. In Varanasi and Jodhpur, operators achieved the required 98% Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR). Data speeds for downloading and uploading were also observed to be better in Palakkad, Varanasi, Cuttack, and Jodhpur. 

 

Conversely, the Delhi and Bihar & Jharkhand LSAs reported higher Drop Call Rates, exceeding TRAI’s benchmark levels. These areas also recorded lower data download and upload speeds compared to others. In Gangtok and Pakyong (West Bengal LSA), none of the service providers met the 98% CSSR benchmark. 

 

Commenting on the findings, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI, said: 

“As India rapidly transitions into a digitally connected economy, 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.”