The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of an independent drive test conducted across Balasore city in Odisha’s LSA (Licensed Service Area) during August 2026. The test assessed the real-time quality of mobile network services provided by all telecom operators in the region, measuring both voice call quality and data speeds across different network technologies.
This periodic assessment helps TRAI monitor whether telecom service providers (TSPs) are meeting prescribed quality of service standards and informs consumers about network performance in their area. The results are made public to encourage operators to improve their services where gaps exist.
Key facts
- Drive test conducted from 18 to 20 August 2026 across Balasore city
- Testing route covered 345 kilometres of city roads
- Seven hotspot locations tested for stationary user experience
- Four TSPs assessed: Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio (RJIL) and Vodafone Idea (VIL)
- Tests covered 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks
- Supervised by TRAI Regional Office Hyderabad
How the testing was done
TRAI’s appointed agency conducted the drive test using multiple test handsets with live SIM cards from each operator. Real-time voice calls and data sessions were established and monitored using advanced software systems. The test covered diverse environments including city roads, public hotspots, and transport hubs to capture how networks perform in actual usage conditions.
Seven hotspot locations were tested for stationary users: Balasore Bus Stand, Chandaneswar Temple, Government District Hospital, Jaleswar Railway Station, K K S Women College, Main Market Balasore, and Max Mall.
Voice quality results
Voice quality was measured using parameters like call setup success rate, dropped calls, call silence instances and speech quality. The test found that dropped calls were minimal across all operators: Airtel (4 dropped calls out of 393 established), BSNL (11 out of 356), Reliance Jio (3 out of 387) and Vodafone Idea (8 out of 390).
Call silence instances lasting more than 3 seconds were measured to assess audio quality. Airtel recorded 5 instances out of 375 calls, BSNL 31 out of 356, Reliance Jio 6 out of 372, and Vodafone Idea 9 out of 376 calls.
Signal coverage findings
Signal strength coverage was assessed in auto-selection mode, where handsets automatically connect to the strongest available network (5G, 4G, 3G or 2G). The test measured samples with poor signal strength as a percentage of total samples collected. Airtel showed 1029 poor signal samples out of 43,646 total, BSNL showed 6758 out of 41,512, Reliance Jio showed 948 out of 42,851, and Vodafone Idea showed 7002 out of 42,776.
Limited service availability was rare: only BSNL (301 samples) and Vodafone Idea (61 samples) reported any instances, while Airtel and Reliance Jio had zero limited service instances.
Data speed performance
Download speeds varied significantly among operators. Reliance Jio achieved the highest average download speed at 239.24 Mbps on 5G/4G networks, followed by Airtel at 67.10 Mbps, Vodafone Idea at 24.65 Mbps, and BSNL at 8.18 Mbps on 3G networks.
Upload speeds were generally lower. Airtel recorded 16.61 Mbps average upload, Reliance Jio 16.28 Mbps, Vodafone Idea 11.05 Mbps, and BSNL 3.71 Mbps.
What this means for you
If you are a mobile phone user in Balasore city, this report provides independent data on which network offers the best voice quality and data speeds in your area. The results can guide your choice of operator or help you understand any service issues you experience. Consumers can use this information to lodge complaints with TRAI if an operator is not meeting the prescribed quality standards in their locality.
The detailed drive test report with maps showing specific locations of dropped calls, signal gaps and throughput performance is available on the TRAI website. For clarifications, consumers can email adv.hyderabad@trai.gov.in or call the TRAI Regional Office Hyderabad on 040-23000761.