TRAI has a new map that will let you test mobile network strength

The coverage map will plot on a map the (network) coverage of operators’ services and will show in a graphical manner which are the areas and extent of coverage
TRAI has a new map that will let you test mobile network strength

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has said that a coverage map that will allow telecom subscribers to check the extent and strength of an operator's network coverage at a chosen location is going to go live in a few weeks. "TRAI is preparing the coverage map of the country so as to identify the black holes or the areas which are not covered or partially covered. We have roped in a vendor who is doing the development, we are taking data from the service providers," TRAI Chairman RS Sharma said.

Map will help users know network strength in specific areas

"The coverage map will plot on a map the (network) coverage of operators' services, say 2G, 3G, 4G, VOLTE, with granularity…it will show in a graphical manner which are the areas and extent of coverage. It will also be helpful in a sense that it will say this is the weak area, the coverage is not there…or partially there," Sharma said.

100 cities covered

"We are always concerned about the quality of service and continue to monitor quality of service closely. We have now increased the coverage of number of cities….there are over 100 cities which are now being covered by independent drive tests, we cover highways and rail routes," the Chairman said.

The backdrop

TRAI had launched the beta version of the map last year on a limited scale, covering only two circles including Delhi. It has now roped in a new vendor to cover more cities on the map. The previous contract had been handed to Centre for Development of Telematics. Through the map, the regulatory watchdog is keeping a close watch on the service quality being offered by the telecom operators, Sharma said.

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