TRAI Evaluates Network Quality in Shillong and East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published its Independent Drive Test (IDT) results for the North-East region, specifically focusing on Shillong city and the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. Conducted from September 1 to September 5, 2025, the tests evaluated mobile network performance across various environments, including urban areas, tourist spots, and rural regions. The findings, which encompass assessments of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies, have been shared with the relevant telecom service providers (TSPs).
Comprehensive Testing Across Diverse Locations
The drive tests covered an extensive distance of 269.4 kilometers in Shillong and included nine hotspot locations and a 1.6-kilometer walk test. The TRAI teams, operating under the supervision of the Kolkata Regional Office, aimed to assess real-world mobile network performance. The evaluation included various locations such as Jorabat, Byrnihat, and Cherrapunji, as well as significant sites like the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Elephant Falls. The tests were designed to reflect user experiences across different handset capabilities and network technologies.
Key Performance Indicators for Voice Services
The IDT findings highlighted several critical parameters for voice services. The Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) was reported as follows: Airtel achieved 96.34%, BSNL 73.63%, Reliance Jio (RJIL) 99.12%, and Vodafone Idea (VIL) 80.20% in auto-selection mode across various network technologies. The Drop Call Rate (DCR) was also assessed, with Airtel at 2.46%, BSNL at 12.19%, RJIL at 0.89%, and VIL at 3.49%. Additionally, the average Call Setup Time varied among providers, with RJIL leading at 0.97 seconds, while BSNL recorded the longest at 2.81 seconds. The Mean Opinion Score (MOS), which measures speech quality, ranged from 2.97 for BSNL to 4.51 for VIL.
Data Services Performance Overview
In terms of data services, the IDT results revealed significant differences in performance among the providers. RJIL led with an impressive average download speed of 157.15 Mbps and an upload speed of 10.89 Mbps. Airtel followed with a download speed of 55.11 Mbps and an upload speed of 7.62 Mbps. BSNL’s performance was notably lower, with average download speeds of just 0.98 Mbps. Latency measurements also varied, with Airtel recording 28.80 ms, while BSNL had a higher latency of 82.00 ms. The tests also evaluated data performance in hotspot locations, where RJIL’s 5G service delivered a download speed of 204.70 Mbps.
The drive tests were conducted using equipment and protocols recommended by TRAI, ensuring standardized and reliable results. The detailed findings of the IDT are accessible on the TRAI website. For further inquiries or clarifications, interested parties can contact Shri Kaushik Mukherjee, Advisor at the TRAI Regional Office in Kolkata. The results provide valuable insights into the mobile network landscape in Meghalaya, highlighting areas for improvement and guiding future developments in telecommunications.
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