TRAI Evaluates Network Quality in Salem City and Surrounding Areas of Tamil Nadu
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled its Independent Drive Test (IDT) results for the Tamil Nadu Licensed Service Area, specifically focusing on Salem City. Conducted from August 11 to August 14, 2025, the tests aimed to evaluate mobile network performance across various environments, including urban areas and institutional hotspots. The comprehensive assessment covered 410 kilometers of driving, a 5.8-kilometer walk test, and eight hotspot locations, analyzing technologies from 2G to 5G. The findings have been shared with all relevant telecom service providers.
Comprehensive Testing Methodology
The drive tests were meticulously executed under the supervision of TRAI’s Regional Office in Hyderabad. The objective was to capture the real-world performance of mobile networks in Salem City. The testing involved a combination of driving and walking assessments to ensure a thorough evaluation of network capabilities. The areas tested included Vennandur, Veerapandi, and several other neighborhoods, providing a broad spectrum of data on network performance in both urban and rural settings. The tests utilized TRAI-recommended equipment and adhered to standardized protocols, ensuring the reliability of the results.
Key Performance Metrics
TRAI’s assessment focused on several critical parameters for both voice and data services. For voice services, the evaluation included metrics such as Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, and Mean Opinion Score (MOS). The results indicated that Airtel achieved a 100% CSSR, while BSNL, RJIL, and VIL recorded rates of 87.85%, 99.80%, and 99.60%, respectively. In terms of drop calls, Airtel and VIL reported a 0% drop rate, showcasing their strong network reliability.
For data services, the tests measured download and upload speeds, latency, and packet loss. Airtel led with an average download speed of 203.99 Mbps, while BSNL lagged significantly at 6.68 Mbps. The upload speeds also reflected a similar trend, with Airtel achieving 31.78 Mbps compared to BSNL’s 4.70 Mbps. These metrics highlight the disparities in network performance among the various service providers.
Real-World Conditions and User Experience
The drive tests were not limited to mobile performance metrics; they also included evaluations of user experience in real-world conditions. TRAI assessed several key locations in Salem, such as the New Bus Stand, Salem Collector Office, and Salem Junction Railway Station. These sites were chosen to reflect stationary user experiences, providing insights into how well networks perform in high-traffic areas. The findings from these tests are crucial for understanding how different service providers cater to user needs in various environments.
The detailed report of the IDT findings is available on the TRAI website, allowing stakeholders and the public to access the results. For further inquiries, TRAI has provided contact information for its regional office, ensuring transparency and communication regarding the assessment.
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