Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has ranked as the weakest-performing telecom operator in several mobile network quality parameters in South Tripura, according to the latest Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The assessment, carried out between May 13 and 16, 2026, compared the performance of BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio (RJIL), and Vodafone Idea (Vi).
The report found that BSNL recorded the highest number of poor signal samples, the slowest download and upload speeds, and weaker voice service performance. TRAI has shared the findings with telecom operators to encourage improvements in network quality and customer experience.
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Key Facts
- Report: TRAI Independent Drive Test (IDT)
- Test Period: May 13–16, 2026
- Location: South Tripura district
- Operators Assessed: BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio (RJIL), Vodafone Idea (Vi)
- Areas Covered: Belonia, Santirbazar, Jolaibari, Manu Bazar, Sabroom
- Test Coverage: 244.2 km, nine hotspot locations, and walk-test areas
- Key Finding: BSNL recorded the weakest performance across several network quality indicators
TRAI Assesses Mobile Network Performance
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted an Independent Drive Test across South Tripura to evaluate the quality of mobile services offered by major telecom operators. The assessment examined signal strength, internet speed, voice call quality, and overall user experience.
The latest findings indicate that BSNL lagged behind its competitors in multiple performance indicators during the testing period.
BSNL Records Highest Poor Signal Samples
According to the report, BSNL registered 11,854 poor signal samples out of 28,800 samples, the highest among all four telecom operators.
In comparison, Airtel recorded 6,217 poor signal samples, Reliance Jio recorded 7,590, while Vodafone Idea registered 8,627. Consequently, BSNL subscribers experienced more weak signal zones than customers of the other operators during the drive test.
Internet Speed Performance
The TRAI report also highlighted a significant gap in mobile internet performance.
BSNL recorded an average download speed of 10.64 Mbps, considerably lower than Airtel’s 88.67 Mbps, Reliance Jio’s 46.11 Mbps, and Vodafone Idea’s 35.19 Mbps.
Similarly, BSNL’s average upload speed was 3.25 Mbps. Airtel led the category with 17.32 Mbps, followed by Vodafone Idea at 6.84 Mbps and Reliance Jio at 3.83 Mbps.
Voice Call Quality Remains a Concern
Voice service quality also emerged as a challenge for BSNL during the assessment.
The operator recorded 22 dropped calls out of 176 successfully established calls. By comparison, Reliance Jio reported only 2 dropped calls out of 254 established calls, while Airtel recorded 9 dropped calls out of 221 calls. Vodafone Idea reported 24 dropped calls out of 148 established calls.
Moreover, BSNL reported 24 call silence incidents during 131 established calls, the highest among the operators evaluated. Airtel recorded 17, Reliance Jio 20, and Vodafone Idea 6 call silence cases.
Areas Covered During the Drive Test
TRAI conducted the Independent Drive Test across 244.2 kilometres of city routes, hotspot locations, and walk-test areas in South Tripura.
The assessment covered key towns, including Belonia, Santirbazar, Jolaibari, Manu Bazar, and Sabroom, providing a comprehensive overview of network performance across the district.
TRAI Shares Findings with Telecom Operators
Following the assessment, TRAI shared the results with all telecom service providers, including BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea.
The regulator expects telecom companies to review the findings and implement corrective measures to improve network coverage, internet speeds, and overall customer experience in South Tripura.
Questions and Answers
What did the TRAI report reveal?
The report found that BSNL recorded the weakest performance among major telecom operators in several network quality parameters in South Tripura.
When was the drive test conducted?
TRAI conducted the Independent Drive Test between May 13 and 16, 2026.
Which telecom operators were evaluated?
The assessment included BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio (RJIL), and Vodafone Idea (Vi).
Which areas were covered?
The drive test covered Belonia, Santirbazar, Jolaibari, Manu Bazar, Sabroom, and other locations across South Tripura.
What happens next?
TRAI has shared the findings with telecom operators so they can take corrective steps to improve mobile network quality and consumer experience.
Location Context
South Tripura is an important district in Northeast India, where reliable mobile connectivity supports education, healthcare, business, and government services. Regular network quality assessments by TRAI help identify service gaps and encourage telecom operators to improve digital connectivity across the region.
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