TRAI Releases Independent Drive Test Findings for Mobile Networks in Leh and Ladakh

Overview of TRAI Drive Tests

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of its Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in August 2026 across Leh and nearby areas within the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) License Service Area (LSA). The assessment evaluates the real-time quality of mobile voice and data services provided by major Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).

The evaluations aim to measure crucial Quality of Service (QoS) metrics, including signal coverage, call drop rates, call setup success rates, and data throughput speeds. The tests covered various environments, such as city routes, highways, public transport hubs, and pedestrian zones, using advanced test handsets across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.

Tested Routes and Environments

The drive tests spanned several key locations and routes under the supervision of TRAI's Delhi Regional Office:

• City Drives: Covering 62.6 kilometers across locations like Lakjung, Tsati, Yurtung, Leh Palace, Sankar Gompa, Choglamsar, Spituk, and the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport area.
• Highways: Spanning 396.3 kilometers across routes including Leh to Nubra Valley, Nubra Valley to Pangong, and Sakti to Sangam.
• Hotspots & Walk Tests: Evaluating 7 static hotspot locations—such as Army Hospital Hundar, Artisan Bazaar, EJM College, Gurudwara Sri Pathar Sahib, Leh Market, and SNM Hospital—alongside a 1.1-kilometer pedestrian walk test in Leh Market.

Summary of Key Network Parameters

Performance metrics varied across providers (Airtel, BSNL, and RJIL) depending on the specific route and technology mode:

• Coverage and Signal Gaps: Signal strength samples below prescribed thresholds were recorded across all routes, with specific variations reported for each TSP in the detailed annexures.
• Voice Quality and Dropped Calls: Voice testing evaluated successful call establishments against dropped calls and call silence instances exceeding three seconds.
• Data Throughput: Average download and upload speeds varied significantly by provider and network generation (such as 4G versus 5G capabilities), with specific averages documented in the official release maps.

Practical Implications and Verification

The findings have been shared with the respective TSPs to prompt necessary service improvements. Consumers and interested parties can verify the original announcement, review detailed route maps, and access complete annexures by visiting the official TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. For further clarifications, inquiries can be directed via email to [email protected] or by contacting TRAI's Delhi Regional Office.