TRAI conducts tests in Mumbai, finds most operators not meeting call drop benchmark

TRAI conducted tests in Mumbai to check the performance of various networks under different parameters. The tests were conducted for telecom operators Airtel, Aircel, Idea, Vodafone, RCOM, MTNL and TATA. The tests were conducted across a spectrum of technologies, for 2G, 3G and CDMA. The drive by tests were conducted between May 10 to May 13, over a distance of 580 kilometers, in various locations in Mumbai. The test results also show previous drive by tests conducted in January 2016 and in September 2015.  A critical finding of the drive by tests conducted in Mumbai showed that the operators did not meet the call drop rate benchmark of <=2% with the exception of Airtel on 2G and 3G, and Vodafone on 2G. Most of the operators have met the call setup benchmark except MTNL 2G, 3G and RCOM 2G. Airtel 2G, MTNL 2G, 3G and RCOM 2G, CDMA failed the call drop rate benchmarks. The Rx quality rate benchmark measures the voice quality of a cellular service provider. This is usually an integer on a scale of 7 in network measurement reports, but TRAI has designated this with a percentage. Airtel 2G, 3G, MTNL 3G, TATA 2G, and Vodafone 2G, 3G have met the quality rate benchmark of 95%. Aircel 2G, Idea 2G, MTNL 2G, RCOM 2G, CDMA and TATA CDMA failed the tests.