TRAI has released independent drive-test findings for Barpeta and Bongaigaon districts in Assam, providing a ground-level picture of mobile network quality across multiple technologies and operators. The assessment, carried out in October 2025, examined both voice and data services to capture the actual experience of users in urban, institutional and rural environments.
Scope and methodology of the drive test
Between 28 and 31 October 2025, test teams covered around 230.8 km of drive routes, eight hotspot locations and 1.1 km of walk tests across Barpeta and Bongaigaon. The study evaluated 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks in auto-selection mode, mirroring how subscribers typically use their phones. Measurements were taken using standardised equipment and protocols recommended by the regulator, with results shared with all concerned telecom service providers for corrective action where required.
Voice service performance indicators
On call setup success rate, Airtel and RJIL achieved 100%, VIL stood at 99.39%, while BSNL recorded 86.52% in auto-selection mode. Drop-call rate was negligible for Airtel and RJIL at 0%, moderate for VIL at 0.93% and relatively higher for BSNL at 4.22%, indicating scope for BSNL to improve network stability in the area. Other key voice parameters such as call setup time, call silence rate, speech quality (Mean Opinion Score) and coverage were also tracked to build a complete view of call experience.
Data speeds, 5G performance and signal strength
For data services, the tests measured download and upload throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss and video streaming delay to understand browsing and streaming quality. On 5G, the network delivered a maximum average download speed of about 231.53 Mbps and maximum average upload speed of 21.43 Mbps during city drives, highlighting the potential of next-generation services where coverage exists. Signal-strength analysis in auto-selection mode showed poor signal on 3.26% of the route for Airtel, 47.09% for BSNL, 3.34% for RJIL and 9.98% for VIL, pointing to pockets where operators—particularly BSNL—may need to densify or optimise coverage.
Locations and real-world usage environments
The assessment spanned key population centres and connecting stretches, including Simlaguri, Bongaigaon, Goraimari, Sorbhog, Borbila Manikpur, Simla, Kayakuchi, Bhawanipur, Kalgachia, Howly, Barpeta, Jania, Tarabari, Sonabari, Barnagar, Byatkuchi and Senbari, among others. Static tests were also conducted at important institutions such as Baosi Banikanta Kakati College, Bongaigaon College, Bongaigaon Engineering College, the Barpeta Deputy Commissioner’s office, Bongaigaon District Court, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Government Higher Secondary School Barpeta and M K College Kaltali, along with a walk test at New Bongaigaon Junction railway station to capture conditions faced by commuters.
Consumer relevance and next steps: TRAI
By publishing these independent drive-test results, the regulator aims to increase transparency on actual service quality and prompt operators to address localised gaps in coverage, call reliability and data performance. Subscribers can refer to the full report on the TRAI website to understand how different operators perform in their area, while service providers are expected to use the findings to fine-tune their networks in Barpeta and Bongaigaon for better user experience.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
