What happened

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released IDT findings on mobile network quality in West Bengal’s Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts and adjoining areas under the West Bengal Licensed Service Area (LSA). TRAI states that the IDT used live voice and data sessions over 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G to assess real-time quality of service (QoS) offered by telecom service providers.

How TRAI conducted the Independent Drive Test

TRAI conducted the IDT through an appointed agency under supervision of the TRAI Regional Office, Kolkata. TRAI reports the IDT period as 9 June 2026 to 13 June 2026. TRAI states that the IDT design included city driving, hotspot testing, and walk tests, and it captured network performance for key QoS parameters including coverage, Call Drop Rate (CDR), Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), and data download and upload throughput.

Test coverage and on-ground locations

TRAI’s reported city drive component covered 494.5 km and included locations such as Birpara, Hasimara, Kalchini, Alipurduar, Rasikbil, Tufanganj, Balarampur, Dinhata, Kamtapur, Sitai, Sitalkuchi, Mathabhanga, Ghoksadanga, and Falakat. TRAI’s reported hotspot testing included Alipurduar bus stand, district hospital, post office, Alipurduar University, Buxa Tiger Reserve forest area, multiple sites in Cooch Behar, and Jaldapara National Park. TRAI also reports walk tests at locations including Cooch Behar Govt. Medical College, district court buildings in Alipurduar, and major railway stations.

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