TRAI Drive Test Exposes Poor BSNL Network in South Tripura, Questions Raised Over Statewide Telecom Connectivity Claims
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 24, 2026
A recent Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revealed serious shortcomings in the mobile network performance of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) across South Tripura district, while also highlighting variations in service quality among private telecom operators.
The assessment, carried out between May 13 and 16, 2026, covered major telecom operators including BSNL, Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi). The drive test spanned 244.2 km of city routes, nine hotspot locations and walk-test areas, including Belonia, Santirbazar, Jolaibari, Manu Bazar and Sabroom.
According to the report, BSNL emerged as the weakest performer in several key network quality parameters. It recorded the highest number of poor signal samples (11,854) compared to Airtel (6,217), Reliance Jio (7,590) and Vodafone Idea (8,627). The findings indicate that BSNL subscribers experienced more weak signal areas than users of other operators.
The report also found that BSNL ranked last in mobile data performance. Its average download speed was only 10.64 Mbps, significantly behind Reliance Jio (88.67 Mbps) and Vodafone Idea (46.11 Mbps). BSNL also lagged in upload speeds and other data quality indicators.
Voice service quality was another area of concern. BSNL registered the highest number of call silence incidents, with 24 cases during 131 established calls, compared to Airtel (17), Reliance Jio (20) and Vodafone Idea (6). Although Reliance Jio recorded the highest number of dropped calls during the test, BSNL's overall performance remained the poorest across multiple parameters.
TRAI stated that the findings have been shared with all telecom service providers for necessary corrective measures aimed at improving network quality and consumer experience.
While the TRAI report specifically covers South Tripura district, many residents and consumers across almost all districts of Tripura continue to complain about poor mobile and internet connectivity. Users frequently report call drops, weak signals, slow internet speeds and inconsistent data services involving not only BSNL but also Reliance Jio and Airtel, particularly in rural, hilly and border areas.
Despite these persistent complaints, critics argue that neither the telecom operators nor the state government have taken adequate visible steps to substantially improve network infrastructure. At the same time, the state continues to promote Tripura as having one of the country's best digital connectivity ecosystems to attract investment and business.
Another issue drawing attention is the continued official projection that Tripura hosts India's third International Internet Gateway (IIG) through Bangladesh. However, questions have been raised because the cross-border connectivity has reportedly remained non-operational for a considerable period after the underlying agreement was not renewed.
Critics contend that despite the reported suspension of the gateway, the State Information Technology Department continues to publicise Tripura as India's third International Internet Gateway via Bangladesh. If the gateway is indeed not operational, they argue that official claims should be updated to accurately reflect the current status.
Industry observers say that restoring the international gateway, strengthening telecom infrastructure and ensuring reliable high-speed connectivity across the state are essential if Tripura is to position itself as a credible destination for investment, IT-enabled services and digital industries.
As Tripura seeks to attract large-scale investments under its industrial development initiatives, many believe that bridging the gap between official claims and on-ground digital connectivity will be critical to sustaining investor confidence and improving services for citizens.
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