TRAI Drive Tests: September 2026 Findings for UPSC

TRAI drive tests measured mobile network performance around Hyderabad and Adoni-Mantralayam in September 2026. The findings add a field-testing dimension to science and technology current affairs.

Quick answer: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released findings from independent drive tests conducted in September 2026 around Hyderabad and Adoni-Mantralayam. The TRAI drive tests assessed voice and data quality on actual routes. For example, Reliance Jio recorded an average download speed of 209.11 megabits per second around Adoni-Mantralayam.

What are TRAI drive tests?

Independent drive tests assess mobile voice and data services under actual network conditions. TRAI conducted these tests through an appointed agency, supervised by its Hyderabad regional office.

Testers use operators’ subscriber identity module (SIM) cards and test handsets to establish voice and data sessions. Software then monitors and analyses performance across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks.

TRAI is a statutory regulator established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. Its functions include regulating telecommunications services and setting service-quality standards.

What did the September 2026 tests find?

Reliance Jio recorded the highest average download speed among the four operators in both tested areas. The table reports speeds in megabits per second (Mbps).

BSNL results reflect 3G testing, while Jio and Airtel results cover 5G and 4G. Vodafone Idea results cover 5G, 4G and 2G; therefore, comparisons also involve different network technologies.

In Hyderabad, BSNL recorded 4 dropped calls out of 72 successfully established calls. Around Adoni-Mantralayam, it recorded 15 out of 317; Airtel and Jio recorded none among 331 and 330 established calls, respectively.

Which locations and quality measures did TRAI cover?

The routes included urban areas, transport hubs and other frequently used locations. In Hyderabad, they included Khajaguda, Narsingi, Attapur and Shamshabad; around Adoni-Mantralayam, they included Yemmiganur and Mantralayam.

In addition, walk tests covered Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math. Hotspots included Mantralayam bus stand and Mantralayam Road railway station.

The TRAI drive tests assessed coverage, call drops, call setup success and download and upload throughput. They also recorded silence lasting over three seconds during calls and speech-quality scores below three.

Why do these findings matter?

The findings inform consumers and give operators evidence for service improvements. TRAI also shared the results with the providers for necessary action.

However, observations represent performance on the tested routes at the dates and times of testing. They should not be treated as permanent results for an entire service area.

Source: Press Information Bureau, 30 October 2026

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