The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the results of an independent network quality assessment conducted in South Delhi and neighbouring areas during July 2026. The tests measured real-time performance of voice and data services provided by all major telecom service providers across 13 locations including Dwarka, Uttam Nagar, Janakpuri, Mahipalpur, Malviya Nagar, Saket, Lajpat Nagar and Noida Sector 62.
The independent drive test (IDT) was designed to assess actual network performance on the ground, using live voice and data sessions across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks. TRAI publishes these findings regularly to inform consumers about service quality and to encourage telecom operators to improve their networks.
Key facts
- Testing period: 6 to 10 July 2026
- City drive distance: 310.4 kilometres
- Walk test distance: 5.5 kilometres
- Hotspot locations tested: 6
- Inter-operator call test locations: 1
- Areas covered: 13 locations in South Delhi and Noida
- Operators assessed: Airtel, MTNL, RJIL (Reliance Jio), VIL (Vodafone Idea)
What the tests measured
TRAI’s drive tests capture performance across several technical parameters that affect user experience. Coverage gap measures areas where signal strength falls below acceptable levels. Voice service quality is assessed through call setup success rate, dropped call rate, call setup time and speech quality. Data services are evaluated on download and upload speeds, latency and packet loss.
The testing team used multiple advanced handsets with SIM cards from each telecom operator, establishing real voice and data sessions as a consumer would. The sessions were monitored and analyzed in real-time using specialized software systems.
Coverage and dropped calls
Coverage gap results showed the proportion of locations where signal strength was poor. Airtel had 610 poor signal samples out of 76,581 total samples. MTNL recorded 50,483 out of 72,804 samples with weak signal, the highest among operators tested. RJIL had 1,050 out of 75,172 samples, and Vodafone Idea (VIL) had 527 out of 76,883 samples with inadequate signal.
Dropped call performance was measured as the number of calls that disconnected after being successfully established. Airtel dropped 3 calls out of 684 established calls. MTNL had 99 dropped calls out of 661 established calls, indicating significantly higher call disconnection issues. RJIL dropped 1 call out of 684, while Vodafone Idea dropped 3 out of 689.
Data speed performance
Download speeds varied significantly by operator and technology. Airtel’s 5G network averaged 176.82 megabits per second (Mbps). MTNL’s 3G network delivered 4.69 Mbps. RJIL’s 5G network achieved the highest average download speed at 257.03 Mbps, while Vodafone Idea’s 5G network averaged 35.07 Mbps.
Upload speeds showed similar variation. Airtel’s 5G network averaged 24.83 Mbps. MTNL’s 3G network achieved 1.15 Mbps. RJIL’s 5G network averaged 18.98 Mbps, and Vodafone Idea’s 5G network delivered 20.70 Mbps.
Call quality issues
The tests also measured call silence instances, where audio dropped for more than 3 seconds during a call. Airtel recorded 11 such instances out of 657 calls tested. RJIL had 14 instances out of 651 calls. Vodafone Idea recorded 12 instances out of 661 calls. MTNL data for this parameter was not separately reported.
Testing locations
The city drive covered major residential and commercial areas of South Delhi. Hotspot testing at 6 locations captured experience in high-traffic areas: the Administrative Building at IIT Delhi, AIIMS outpatient department, Bhikaji Cama Place Metro Station, Delhi Public School R.K. Puram, Hauz Khas Metro Station and ISBT Sarai Kale Khan. Walk tests simulated pedestrian user experience at Dilli Haat INA, Sarojini Nagar Market and WTC Nauroji Nagar.
What this means for you
If you live or work in South Delhi, these results indicate which operators have the most reliable voice and data services in your area on the day of testing. RJIL showed the strongest 5G download speeds, while Airtel and MTNL showed lower dropped call rates than their competitors in some comparisons. MTNL’s significant coverage gaps and dropped calls suggest potential service reliability issues in this region.
These tests represent snapshot performance on specific dates and times. Your actual experience may vary based on network congestion, location within the tested area, and time of day. TRAI has shared detailed findings with each operator to encourage service improvements.
Finding the full report
Complete drive test reports with detailed maps showing specific locations of coverage gaps, dropped calls and call silence instances are available on the TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. For additional information, contact TRAI’s Regional Office Delhi at +91-11-20907772 or email adv.ca@trai.gov.in.