Extensive Coverage and Testing Methodology
The drive tests were conducted between November 10 and November 15, 2025, covering a total city drive distance of 308.1 kilometres, along with walk tests spanning 2.6 kilometres and evaluations at ten key hotspot locations. The assessment encompassed 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies to reflect the experience of users with different handset capabilities.
TRAI teams used standardised equipment and protocols to capture network performance in real-time conditions. The findings have already been shared with all concerned telecom service providers for necessary action and improvement.
Key Voice Service Performance Indicators
Voice service quality was assessed using critical parameters such as Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, speech quality measured through Mean Opinion Score (MOS), and network coverage. In auto-selection mode across all technologies, private operators demonstrated strong call setup success.
Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea recorded call setup success rates exceeding 99 percent, while BSNL achieved a CSSR of over 96 percent. Drop call rates remained low across networks, with Reliance Jio reporting zero drop calls during the assessment period.
Data and 5G Performance Highlights
The assessment also covered data services, including download and upload throughput, latency, jitter, packet drop rate, and video streaming delay. The results highlighted strong performance, particularly on fifth-generation networks.
During city drive tests, 5G services delivered a maximum average download speed of 273.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 43.96 Mbps, indicating robust capacity to support data-intensive applications and high-speed connectivity needs.
Signal Strength and Coverage Observations
Instances of poor signal strength in auto-selection mode were limited across operators. Airtel and Reliance Jio reported poor signal levels in less than 0.3 percent of the total test route, while Vodafone Idea recorded just over 1 percent. BSNL showed relatively higher instances of weak signal, covering around 7.9 percent of the assessed route.
These findings underscore the need for targeted network optimisation in specific pockets to ensure uniform service quality.
Areas and Institutions Covered
The assessment spanned several key areas including New Town, Rajarhat, Salt Lake, Barasat, Madhyamgram, Barrackpore, Khardaha, Maheshtala, Baruipur, Joka, and Rajpur Sonarpur. Hotspot testing was carried out at prominent locations such as Adamas University, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Science City, Eco Park, major bus terminals, hospitals, and recreational centres.
Walk tests were conducted at Kolkata Railway Station, College of Medicine and Sagar Dutta Hospital, and JIS University to capture indoor and pedestrian-level user experience.
Regulatory Oversight and Transparency
TRAI emphasised that such independent assessments are vital for maintaining transparency and accountability in the telecom sector. The authority regularly conducts drive tests across the country to benchmark service quality and ensure compliance with Quality of Service norms.
