TRAI Releases Mobile Network Performance Data for New Delhi and Central Delhi

Overview of Findings

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the results of its Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted in August 2026 across New Delhi and Central Delhi. The assessment aimed to evaluate the real-time quality of voice and data services provided by major Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), including Airtel, MTNL, Reliance Jio (RJIL), and Vodafone Idea (VIL).

Testing Methodology

Conducted between August 10 and August 14, 2026, the testing spanned over 322 kilometers of city routes, 11 hotspot locations, and included specialized walk tests to simulate crowded pedestrian environments. The evaluation utilized SIM cards from all providers across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) through advanced test handsets.

Reported Key Performance Metrics

The report summarizes network performance based on several parameters:

• Coverage Gap: Signal strength was measured against minimum prescribed thresholds. RJIL and VIL reported lower instances of poor signal samples compared to Airtel and MTNL, with MTNL reporting the highest number of samples categorized as having poor signal strength.
• Call Quality: Airtel recorded zero dropped calls during the test period, while RJIL and VIL reported two and one, respectively. MTNL recorded 123 dropped calls out of 794 successfully established calls.
• Data Performance: Significant variations were observed in average download speeds, with RJIL (5G) recording the highest average throughput at 287.91 Mbps, followed by Airtel (5G) at 156.52 Mbps, VIL (5G) at 39.57 Mbps, and MTNL (3G) at 4.34 Mbps.
• Call Silence: The occurrence of call silence instances exceeding 3 seconds was tracked for 5G and 4G networks, with Airtel reporting the fewest occurrences among providers tested for this metric.

Verification and Next Steps

TRAI stated that the findings have been shared with the relevant TSPs to encourage service improvements. Consumers and interested parties can access the full drive test reports, including specific maps showing the locations of dropped calls and coverage gaps, through the official TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. Clarifications regarding this report may be sought by contacting the TRAI Regional Office in Delhi.