TRAI Releases Independent Mobile Network Performance Audit for Fazilka Region

Overview of Findings

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the findings of an Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted in August 2026 to evaluate the quality of mobile network services in Fazilka, Punjab, and its surrounding areas. The audit assessed key Quality of Service (QoS) metrics, including coverage, call quality, and data throughput for major Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).

Testing Methodology

The assessment, conducted between August 5 and August 7, 2026, under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office in Jaipur, involved:

• Data Collection: Approximately 184.6 kilometers of city driving, 1.9 kilometers of walk tests, and assessments at 6 specific hotspot locations.
• Technology Scope: Tests utilized live voice and data sessions across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks using advanced testing hardware and software.

Performance Highlights

Key findings regarding network stability and data speeds as reported by the regulator include:

• Call Performance: Airtel and RJIL reported zero dropped calls during the test sessions, while BSNL and VIL recorded three dropped calls each.
• Data Download: Average download speeds varied significantly, with RJIL measuring 271.44 Mbps and Airtel at 204.39 Mbps. VIL and BSNL recorded average download throughputs of 17.19 Mbps and 15.59 Mbps, respectively.
• Coverage Gaps: The report indicates signal strength samples falling below prescribed thresholds, with BSNL recording the highest number of samples with poor signal strength (1,575) compared to Airtel (178), RJIL (295), and VIL (820).

Next Steps

The TRAI has shared these findings with the relevant service providers to facilitate necessary network improvements. The regulator noted that these observations are specific to the routes and times of the drive test. Consumers and stakeholders can review the complete dataset and detailed route maps by visiting the official TRAI website at [www.trai.gov.in](http://www.trai.gov.in).