Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have extensively deployed 5G networks across the country, yet consumers face uncertainty regarding where they can access 5G versus 4G services. To address this issue, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is reportedly planning to mandate telcos to publish comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage maps for consumers. TRAI aims to enhance Quality of Services (QoS) benchmarks by April-May 2024. As part of this initiative, telcos may be required to delineate areas with 4G and 5G availability to inform consumers effectively.
The directive from TRAI signifies a crucial step towards enhancing transparency and accountability among telecom operators, ensuring consumers have clearer insights into network coverage across different city areas. Additionally, TRAI may require telcos to promptly report site outages, which significantly impact network connectivity in affected regions.
With over 400,000 5G BTS (Base Transceiver Stations) deployed nationwide, telcos may need to report even minor outages to maintain network integrity. Instances of call drops have become prevalent, often leading to scenarios where users experience packet loss and are unable to hear the other party during calls. Such experiences contribute to user frustration and highlight the need for improved network reliability.
TRAI’s objective is to mitigate instances of call drops, thereby enhancing consumer satisfaction with mobile network services. Furthermore, TRAI will deliberate on whether telcos should face penalties for failing to meet minimum QoS standards at the state or district level. This regulatory focus underscores the importance of ensuring consistent and reliable mobile network performance nationwide.
