The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of an Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted across Gangtok and Pakyong districts, as well as the Deorali Bazar–Nathu La Pass stretch along NH-310 in Sikkim, to assess the real-time quality of mobile network services offered by telecom operators. The tests, carried out on May 8 and 9 under the supervision of TRAI’s Regional Office in Kolkata, covered 102.8 km of city routes, 66.5 km of highways and five hotspot locations. The assessment evaluated key quality parameters including coverage, call drop rate, call setup success rate, speech quality, download and upload speeds, latency and packet loss using live voice and data sessions over 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
The report showed varying network performance among operators. Reliance Jio recorded the highest average download speeds of 63.89 Mbps in city areas and 60.26 Mbps on highway routes, followed by Airtel with 50.93 Mbps and 41.60 Mbps, respectively. BSNL registered the highest coverage gaps and dropped calls in several test segments, while Airtel and Vodafone Idea reported comparatively fewer call drops in city areas. TRAI said the findings have been shared with all telecom service providers for necessary corrective measures, while detailed reports are available on its website.
In Gangtok, the report is significant for businesses, tourism operators and consumers who increasingly rely on seamless digital connectivity. Improved mobile network quality can support digital payments, online commerce, tourism services and enterprise operations across Gangtok, while the assessment is expected to encourage telecom companies to strengthen network infrastructure in the region’s growing digital economy.