TRAI Chennai Mobile Network Quality Assessment July 2026
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released findings from its Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted across Chennai City under Tamil Nadu LSA during July 15-17, 2026. The assessment was designed to verify real-time quality of mobile network services (both voice and data) provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and inform consumers while encouraging service improvements.
Methodology and Coverage
The drive test covered 232.8 kilometers of city driving, 7 hotspot locations, and 9.9 kilometers of walk tests across key areas including Tiruneermalai, Pammal, St. Thomas Mount, Guindy, Saidapet, Alwarpet, Mylapore, Egmore, George Town, Royapuram, Tol Gate, Kilpauk, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Puliambedu, Chembarambakkam, and Kanadapalayam. Hotspot locations included Chennai Airport Parking, CtrlS Data Center, Hotel Lemon Tree, Press Information Bureau, Saveetha Engineering College, Vadapalani Metro Station, and VR Mall Chennai. Walk tests covered Chennai Airport Runway and inside Chennai Airport Terminal. The testing was conducted under the supervision of TRAI Regional Office Hyderabad using multiple advanced test handsets and real-time monitoring software systems across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Key Performance Metrics
Coverage Gap Analysis: For voice testing in auto-selection mode, Airtel showed 43 poor signal samples out of 57,398 total samples, BSNL had 1,072 out of 56,431, RJIL had 159 out of 55,815, and VIL had 54 out of 56,842. For limited service instances, Airtel recorded 7 out of 57,398, BSNL had 191 out of 56,431, while RJIL and VIL both showed 0 instances.
Call Performance Metrics: Dropped call rates were minimal across most providers: Airtel 0 out of 500 calls, BSNL 12 out of 499, RJIL 1 out of 514, and VIL 1 out of 508. Call silence instances (silence >3 seconds) were observed: Airtel 3 out of 493 calls, BSNL 38 out of 486, RJIL 2 out of 492, and VIL 3 out of 501.
Data Performance: Average download speeds showed significant variation: Airtel (5G/4G) achieved 125.49 Mbps, BSNL (3G) 11.40 Mbps, RJIL (5G/4G) 302.97 Mbps, and VIL (5G/4G/2G) 38.76 Mbps. Upload performance followed similar patterns: Airtel 34.21 Mbps, BSNL 6.37 Mbps, RJIL 30.43 Mbps, and VIL 25.22 Mbps.
The findings have been shared with respective TSPs for necessary corrective actions, and detailed reports are available on the TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. The assessment represents network performance specifically on the tested routes and times during the drive test period.