A major move to improve telecom services in India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a directive to telecom operators, including BSNL, Vodafone Idea, Jio, and Airtel, to publish detailed network coverage maps on their websites.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of service (QoS) and empower the country’s 1.2 billion mobile users to make informed decisions while choosing or switching telecom operators.
How This Benefits Users
The new mandate requires telcos to display geographic maps showcasing their 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network coverage. This will allow users to evaluate which operator provides the best connectivity in their area, simplifying the process of selecting a new SIM card or switching service providers. Until now, only a few companies have shared such detailed coverage information, leaving users with limited knowledge about network performance in specific localities.
Step Towards Better Service
TRAI’s directive underscores the importance of transparent network information for ensuring a satisfactory user experience. By accessing coverage maps, users can assess the level of service provided by each operator in their region. TRAI has stressed that reliable mobile network coverage is essential for maintaining high-quality telecom services.
In addition to website updates, telecom operators are instructed to provide:
Service-specific maps for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Information on wireless voice and broadband availability in specific areas.
Easy access to these maps via their mobile applications.
Deadline And Implementation
Telecom operators must comply with the directive by April 1, 2025. The coverage maps must be prominently displayed on their websites’ homepages with a clear logo for user convenience. Furthermore, these maps need to be regularly updated to reflect real-time network changes.
This move complements TRAI’s ongoing efforts to ensure telecom operators maintain a quality of service above 99 percent.
By mandating coverage maps, TRAI aims to address long-standing issues of poor service in under-covered areas. Users will now have a reliable tool to compare network operators, fostering greater transparency and competition among telecom providers.