TRAI assesses mobile network quality in Fazilka and surrounding areas of Punjab LSA
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the findings of its Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in August 2026 across the Fazilka region of the Punjab Licensed Service Area (LSA) to assess real-time Quality of Service (QoS) for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
- The assessment evaluated critical network metrics including coverage gaps, Call Drop Rate (CDR), Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), packet loss, and data throughput, revealing significant disparities in download speeds ranging from 15.59 Mbps (BSNL) to 271.44 Mbps (Reliance Jio).
- The empirical data collected during these tests has been shared with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to facilitate targeted infrastructure upgrades and optimize network performance in both urban and rural pockets.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Independent Drive Tests (IDT) and the key Quality of Service (QoS) parameters (such as CSSR, CDR, and Packet Loss Rate) regulated by TRAI.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
The role of statutory regulators like TRAI in ensuring consumer welfare, bridging the digital divide, and maintaining robust telecom infrastructure in India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to assess mobile network quality, consider the following statements: 1. These tests are conducted to assess the real-time Quality of Service (QoS) of both voice and data services across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. 2. The assessments are purely simulated laboratory-based tests that do not establish live data or voice sessions on actual telecom networks. 3. Key parameters evaluated during these tests include Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), coverage gaps, packet drop rate, and latency. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. TRAI's Independent Drive Tests (IDT) assess real-time Quality of Service (QoS) for both voice and data services across various network generations (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G) using parameters like CSSR, coverage gaps, packet drop rate, and latency. Statement 2 is incorrect because these tests are not simulated laboratory tests; they are field tests where live data and voice sessions are established using actual SIM cards of various Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) on active networks.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.