The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom operators to publish geospatial coverage maps on their websites, detailing the areas where they offer wireless voice and broadband services. Effective October 1, 2024, this requirement is part of TRAI’s revised Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations and aims to empower consumers by enabling informed decision-making when choosing a telecom provider.
What Are Geospatial Coverage Maps?
TRAI’s new regulations state:
“Every service provider providing wireless access services must publish service-wise geospatial coverage maps on their website in a manner and format as directed by the Authority.”
These maps must outline the availability of wireless voice and broadband services across geographical regions. TRAI emphasizes that understanding mobile network coverage is essential for assessing QoS, as high-quality service cannot be expected in areas without sufficient coverage.
The maps will include service-specific details for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks and are expected to create uniformity and transparency in how telecom service providers present their coverage information.
TRAI mandates telecom operators to publish coverage maps.
— DoT India (@DoT_India) November 26, 2024
🛜 Subscribers can now know which services (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) are available in their area. pic.twitter.com/evsy90Nu7F
Key Directives for Telecom Operators
– Coverage Display: Operators must display geospatial maps based on actual measurements (physical or network analytics) or industry-standard predictions.
– Signal Strength Indicators: Maps must use a prescribed color scheme to show signal strength for each technology (2G/3G/4G/5G) at outdoor locations, meeting minimum thresholds.
– Unified Coverage for 5G: In areas with coverage for all technologies, the map should display the area as 5G-covered.
– Optional Base Station Display: The inclusion of specific cell or base station locations is not mandatory.
Consumer Benefits
These maps will enable users to visually assess network coverage in their area, helping them select carriers that best meet their connectivity needs. By mandating uniform standards, TRAI ensures consistency and transparency across service providers, fostering better accountability.
This move aligns with TRAI’s broader efforts to improve QoS in the telecom sector while encouraging competition based on network performance and coverage.
