A comprehensive assessment by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has uncovered a stark contrast in the mobile user experience across Bihar, revealing that while next-generation 5G technology delivers impressive speeds, it is significantly undermined by inconsistent and unreliable network coverage. The Independent Drive Test (IDT), conducted meticulously between November 20 and 28, provided an unbiased evaluation of network performance across critical transportation corridors and urban centers. The tests spanned the vital Ranchi-Patna highway, the Patna-Ranchi railway route, and various cityscapes within the Hazaribagh district, simulating real-world conditions for everyday users. This initiative aimed to move beyond theoretical capabilities and capture the practical reality of mobile service quality. The central finding paints a picture of a digital divide not between those with and without access, but between the potential of advanced technology and the foundational challenge of maintaining a stable connection, a gap that affects all major telecom operators to varying degrees.
A Tale of Two Networks Speed Versus Stability
The performance of 5G services, where available, showcased the transformative potential of the technology for consumers in the region. During the drive tests, the network achieved a remarkable maximum average download speed of 199.26 Mbps, a figure that enables near-instantaneous downloads of large files and seamless streaming of ultra-high-definition content. Complementing this, an average upload speed of 24.47 Mbps provided robust support for activities like video conferencing and content creation. These metrics confirm that the underlying 5G infrastructure is capable of delivering a superior mobile internet experience that stands among the best available. This high-speed capability is crucial for unlocking new applications and services, positioning the region to take full advantage of the digital economy. However, the data also suggests that this powerful performance is confined to specific areas, creating an inconsistent experience where users can swing from exceptionally fast connectivity to frustratingly poor service in a matter of moments, highlighting a network that is powerful yet fragmented.
In stark contrast to the high speeds of 5G, the overall network reliability presented a significant challenge for consumers. The most critical issue identified by TRAI emerged when devices were set to auto-selection mode, allowing them to switch between 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks to find the best available signal. It was in this common real-world scenario that substantial coverage gaps became apparent, particularly during city drive tests. All major service providers demonstrated areas with poor signal strength, leading to dropped calls, failed data sessions, and a generally degraded user experience. This inconsistency underscores a fundamental weakness in the network fabric. While the focus often falls on the peak performance of the latest technology, the report emphasizes that for the average user, the ability to maintain a stable and continuous connection is far more critical. The frequent inability of networks to provide this basic level of service reliability remains a persistent obstacle to a truly modern mobile experience in the region.
Operator Performance Under the Microscope
The drive test data revealed a wide disparity in performance among the region’s leading telecom operators, with some struggling far more than others to provide consistent coverage. BSNL faced the most pronounced difficulties, with its network exhibiting poor signal strength across a staggering 46.10% of the tested urban routes. This indicates that nearly half the time, its users in these areas were likely experiencing significant service degradation. Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) also demonstrated considerable inconsistency, registering poor signal strength over 23.98% of its routes. In contrast, Reliance Jio (RJIL) and Airtel performed more reliably but were not entirely free from coverage issues. RJIL and Airtel recorded poor signal strength over 4.52% and 5.53% of their respective routes. While these figures are substantially better, they still represent notable gaps in service within city environments. These findings provide consumers with a clear, data-backed comparison of network reliability, highlighting that the choice of provider can have a dramatic impact on the quality of mobile service experienced day-to-day.
TRAI’s evaluation extended far beyond simple signal strength, encompassing a thorough analysis of both voice and data services across all available network generations to create a holistic picture of the consumer experience. Key performance indicators were meticulously measured, including the call setup success rate, the frequency of dropped calls, and the overall quality of speech during voice conversations. On the data side, the tests assessed crucial metrics such as download and upload throughput, network latency (or delay), and the performance of video streaming services. This comprehensive approach ensures that the findings reflect the full spectrum of mobile usage. The ultimate objective of this detailed assessment was to equip telecom service providers with precise, granular data. By identifying specific deficiencies in both network coverage and service quality, the report serves as a diagnostic tool, enabling operators to target their efforts and resources toward rectifying the most pressing issues and ultimately improving the consistency of the mobile experience for all customers in Bihar.
Charting a Course for Enhanced Connectivity
The Independent Drive Test conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ultimately delivered an unfiltered and data-driven snapshot of the mobile network landscape in Bihar. The findings clearly articulated the central paradox facing consumers in the region: the availability of incredibly fast 5G technology that was frequently rendered inaccessible by fundamental weaknesses in network coverage and reliability. The report’s primary value was not merely in documenting these shortcomings but in providing a detailed and actionable roadmap for improvement. By pinpointing the exact locations of poor signal strength and quantifying performance across a range of critical metrics for each operator, the assessment moved beyond general complaints to offer specific, evidence-based insights. This granular data served as a direct mandate for telecom service providers to address their network deficiencies, highlighting the precise areas that required immediate investment and technical rectification to bridge the gap between technological promise and everyday reality for users.
