Telecom Providers Launch Coverage Maps for Transparency
In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing transparency for mobile subscribers, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have unveiled mobile network coverage maps on their websites. This move follows a directive from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which aims to empower consumers with crucial information about service availability. The new regulations, effective from October 1, 2024, require TSPs to publish detailed geospatial coverage maps for their wireless services.
New Regulations Mandate Coverage Transparency
On August 2, 2024, TRAI introduced revised regulations titled “The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024.” These regulations, which come into effect on October 1, 2024, apply to both wireline and wireless services. They stipulate that every service provider must publish geospatial coverage maps on their websites, detailing the geographical areas where their wireless voice and broadband services are available for subscription. The deadline for TSPs to complete this publication is set for April 1, 2025.
To ensure consistency and timely implementation, TRAI has also issued technical guidelines for the publication of these coverage maps. The guidelines were outlined in Direction no RG-17/(3)/2022-QoS, dated November 22, 2024, and are accessible on the TRAI website. This structured approach aims to standardize the information provided to consumers across different service providers.
Accessing Coverage Maps: Links and Features
In compliance with the new regulations, several TSPs have already made their mobile network coverage maps available online. The following links direct users to the coverage maps of various providers:
| S. No. | TSP | Link |
| 1 | Bharti Airtel | Airtel Coverage Map |
| 2 | BSNL | Yet to be published |
| 3 | MTNL | Yet to be published |
| 4 | RJIL | Jio Coverage Map |
| 5 | Vodafone Idea | Vi Coverage Map |
For user convenience, TRAI has consolidated these links on its website, allowing easy access to the coverage maps. Users can navigate to the TRAI website and follow the path: Consumer Info > Mobile Coverage Map > [Service Provider].
User-Friendly Features and Feedback Mechanism
The newly introduced coverage maps come equipped with user-friendly features designed for easy navigation. They utilize a standard color scheme and allow users to view coverage for specific technologies, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. Users can search for their current location or enable location services on their devices to find relevant coverage information. A toggle switch enables users to select the technology of interest.
Subscribers are encouraged to provide feedback or report discrepancies in coverage representation through the user feedback feature available on the maps. However, it is important to note that actual mobile coverage may vary from what is displayed on the maps, especially in indoor environments, due to various dynamic factors.
These coverage maps not only serve the needs of mobile subscribers but also provide valuable insights into telecom coverage across the country. Stakeholders can utilize this data for planning and implementing e-enabled initiatives, as well as for evaluating the need for regulatory or policy interventions.
For further information or clarification, interested parties can contact Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I) at TRAI, via email at adv-qos1@trai.gov.in or by phone at +91-11-20907759.
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