The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published the results of an independent drive test conducted across Sonitpur district in Assam during August 2026. The test measured the real-time quality of mobile network services offered by four telecom operators: Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio (RJIL) and Vodafone Idea (VIL).
The assessment covered both voice and data services across cities, transport hubs and busy public locations. The findings are released to help ordinary consumers understand network performance in their area and to encourage service providers to improve their offerings.
Key facts
- Drive test conducted 10-13 August 2026 in Sonitpur district, Assam LSA
- City drive route: 308 kilometres
- Hotspot locations tested: 10
- Walk test route: 1.6 kilometres
- Four operators assessed: Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea
- Networks tested: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G
- Areas covered: Tezpur, Dhekiajuli, various villages and institutional campuses
How the test was conducted
TRAI appointed an independent agency to carry out the drive test using real SIM cards from all four operators. Advanced test handsets were used to establish live voice and data sessions simultaneously. The sessions were monitored in real time using specialised software. The test covered diverse environments: city roads, transport hubs like the ASTC bus stand in Tezpur, government offices, schools, colleges, hospitals and university campuses.
Voice service performance
TRAI measured four key parameters for voice calls: signal strength, how often calls dropped, how quickly calls were set up, and silence instances during conversations.
Coverage gaps: When signal strength fell below the minimum required level, calls could fail. Airtel had the fewest coverage gaps at 1,766 out of 44,378 samples. RJIL had 1,494 out of 43,999 samples. VIL recorded 6,682 out of 44,109 samples. BSNL had the largest gap at 18,494 out of 41,037 samples.
Dropped calls: Airtel and RJIL reported zero dropped calls. VIL recorded 8 dropped calls out of 312 successful calls. BSNL had 301 dropped calls out of 476 calls, indicating significant problems with call stability.
Call silence: Brief silences during calls affect user experience. All four operators recorded similar low numbers, between 7 and 13 silence instances lasting more than 3 seconds across hundreds of test calls.
Data service performance
TRAI measured download and upload speeds, which determine how quickly users can browse, stream video or send files.
Download speeds: RJIL achieved the fastest average download speed at 221.18 megabits per second on 5G and 4G networks. Airtel averaged 116.11 Mbps. VIL managed 20.04 Mbps on 4G and 2G. BSNL recorded the slowest speed at 11.72 Mbps.
Upload speeds: RJIL again led at 15.98 Mbps, followed by Airtel at 21.09 Mbps (which achieved higher upload than download, likely due to 5G capabilities). VIL achieved 6.69 Mbps and BSNL 4.32 Mbps.
What this means for you
If you live or work in Sonitpur district, these results show how reliably your phone will work for calls and internet. Airtel and Reliance Jio perform significantly better for data speeds and call reliability. BSNL users may experience more dropped calls and slower internet speeds. VIL occupies a middle position. The test results are available on the TRAI website with detailed maps showing exactly where coverage gaps and call problems occur.
These findings are not permanent; operators can improve their networks by adding towers or upgrading equipment. Consumers can use this information to choose a service provider based on their needs, or to hold their current provider accountable for poor performance.
What happens next
TRAI has shared the detailed findings with each operator so they can take corrective action. Full reports are available on the TRAI website at www.trai.gov.in. Citizens seeking clarification can email adv.kolkata@trai.gov.in or contact TRAI’s Kolkata Regional Office at +91-33-22361401.