TRAI Releases Mobile Network Quality Findings for Parts of Kolkata LSA

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the results of its Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in July 2026 across parts of Kolkata city, Howrah, and Hooghly districts within the Kolkata Licensing Service Area (LSA). The assessment evaluates real-time voice and data quality parameters for major telecom service providers (TSPs), including Airtel, BSNL, RJIL, and VIL.

Assessment Methodology and Scope

TRAI's appointed agency executed the drive tests between July 13 and July 16, 2026, under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office in Kolkata. The testing environments included:

• City Drives: Covering approximately 309.7 kilometers across regions such as Chinsurah, Serampore, Uttarpara, Howrah, Shibpur, Dankuni, and Singur.
• Hotspots: Evaluating 10 stationary locations, including the Nabanna State Secretariat, Bandel Thermal Power Station, and Imambara District Hospital.
• Walk Tests: Spanning 2.8 kilometers in high-pedestrian zones such as Howrah Railway Station and Santragachi Junction.

Key Performance Indicators

The tests measured parameters such as coverage gaps, dropped call rates, call silence instances, and data throughput for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.

• Coverage Gaps: Poor signal strength samples (below -110 dBm for 5G/4G, -90 dBm for 3G, and -85 dBm for 2G) out of total collected samples were reported as 122 for Airtel, 3,904 for BSNL, 181 for RJIL, and 401 for VIL.
• Dropped Calls: Out of successfully established calls, dropped calls recorded were 1 out of 466 for Airtel, 15 out of 483 for BSNL, 0 out of 468 for RJIL, and 2 out of 462 for VIL.
• Call Silence Instances: Instances exceeding 3 seconds were noted as 6 out of 454 for Airtel, 36 out of 458 for BSNL, 5 out of 455 for RJIL, and 39 out of 467 for VIL.
• Data Throughput: Average download speeds reached 255.13 Mbps (Airtel), 7.98 Mbps (BSNL), 297.95 Mbps (RJIL), and 49.06 Mbps (VIL). Average upload speeds were recorded at 45.64 Mbps for Airtel, 4.35 Mbps for BSNL, 38.63 Mbps for RJIL, and 12.31 Mbps for VIL.

Practical Implications and Verification

The findings have been shared with the respective TSPs to prompt service improvements. Consumers can access detailed route maps and complete reports on the official TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. For further inquiries, stakeholders can contact the TRAI Regional Office in Kolkata via email at [email protected] or telephone at +91-33-22361401.