TRAI Publishes April 2025 Independent Drive Tests (IDT) Report Findings
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled the results of its Independent Drive Tests (IDTs) conducted in April 2025, assessing network performance across nine cities and highway corridors in seven Licensed Service Areas (LSAs). The tests, which included cities such as Palakkad, Varanasi, Delhi, and Jodhpur, aimed to evaluate the quality of voice and data services provided by major telecom operators. Utilizing calibrated equipment and standardized protocols, TRAI officials supervised the assessments to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Scope of the Drive Tests
The Independent Drive Tests were carried out by an agency appointed by TRAI and focused on evaluating both voice and data services across various technologies, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. The tests encompassed a range of methodologies, including City Drive tests, Walk tests, Highway tests, and hotspot analyses. The networks of major telecom operators—Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL/MTNL—were assessed in both auto-selection and locked modes to meet the testing requirements. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough examination of network performance in diverse environments, ensuring that the results reflect real-world user experiences.
Key Performance Indicators
The drive tests evaluated several key performance indicators for both voice and data services. For voice services, the parameters included Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, Call Silence Rate, Speech Quality (MOS), and Coverage. In terms of data services, the tests measured Download and Upload Throughput, Latency, Jitter, Packet Drop Rate, and Video Streaming Delay. These indicators are crucial for assessing the overall quality of service provided by telecom operators and help identify areas for improvement.
Findings from the Tests
The results of the drive tests revealed significant variations in network performance across different regions. Palakkad, Varanasi, and Cuttack demonstrated superior network performance, with all operators achieving a Drop Call Rate of 2% or less, which is below the benchmark. In Varanasi and Jodhpur, all operators met the benchmark of 98% for Call Setup Success Rates. Conversely, areas such as Delhi and Bihar & Jharkhand recorded higher Drop Call Rates that exceeded the prescribed quality benchmarks. Additionally, data download and upload speeds were notably lower in these regions compared to others tested. Gangtok and Pakyong also fell below the 98% benchmark for Call Setup Success Rates across all service providers.
Commitment to Quality Service
Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that as India transitions into a digitally connected economy, TRAI is dedicated to ensuring that service quality aligns with consumer expectations. The results from the IDTs not only reflect actual user experiences but also serve as a benchmark for operator performance and guide necessary network enhancements. Detailed reports from the drive tests are available on the TRAI website, providing further insights into the assessments conducted across the seven LSAs. For additional information or clarification, interested parties can contact TRAI directly.
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