India’s leading private telecom operators—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea—have published detailed network coverage maps for their 5G, 4G, and 2G services, in compliance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai)’s revised quality of service regulations. The move aims to enhance transparency and enable consumers to make informed choices about mobile connectivity.
Trai’s Revised Regulation on Service Quality
As part of its updated Quality of Service (QoS) norms released in August 2024, Trai had instructed all telecom service providers (TSPs) to publish geospatial maps displaying wireless network availability for both voice and broadband services. The deadline for compliance was set for April 1, 2025.
“In a significant move to enhance transparency and empower mobile subscribers, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have published mobile network coverage maps on their websites, as per the mandate given by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai),” the regulator said in a statement this week.
Private Players Comply, Public Operators Lag Behind
Trai confirmed that private players—Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea—have all complied with the mandate and published service-wise coverage maps on their official portals. These maps visually represent areas where their 5G, 4G, and 2G networks are accessible for subscription, helping consumers verify coverage before choosing a provider.
However, public sector operators Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) have yet to meet the requirement, drawing attention to the need for quicker adaptation among state-run service providers.
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Empowering Consumers Through Transparency
The coverage maps are expected to play a vital role in reducing consumer grievances related to poor network connectivity, call drops, and inconsistent mobile data speeds. With a visual representation of signal strength and availability, users can better assess which telecom provider best meets their location-specific needs.
A Step Towards Digital Inclusion
This initiative aligns with India’s broader digital goals by strengthening public trust and fostering competition among telecom players. As mobile connectivity remains key to education, financial access, and social mobility, Trai’s push for transparency is likely to improve service delivery and support digital inclusion across the country.
