New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has published new drive test findings for Delhi. This round of tests shows how the big operators are doing with voice calls and mobile internet in real world places like busy roads, metro stations and even school zones.
The tests were carried out by TRAI’s Delhi regional team between 06 and 10 October 2025. These are not lab results. Teams covered 402 km of city routes, 14 hotspot locations and some crowded walking zones. All major technologies were included 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. The findings have already been shared with the operators.
Voice performance results show gap for MTNL
TRAI measured call setup success rate, call setup time, call drops, silence and voice clarity based on MOS scores. Airtel and Reliance Jio showed very high call setup success rates. Airtel at 99.50 percent and RJIL at 99.30 percent. Vodafone Idea followed with 98.59 percent. MTNL struggled at 86.53 percent.
Drop call rate results were a relief for most users. Airtel and Jio reported zero percent drop rate. VIL had 0.20 percent which is small but still there. MTNL again was the outlier with 7.46 percent.
Call setup time is where users really feel frustration. Airtel averaged 0.82 seconds. Jio was even quicker at 0.66 seconds. MTNL required 3.62 seconds on average which feels like forever when you are standing outside your supermarket trying to call home.
TRAI also said voice clarity scores based on MOS were 4.00 for Airtel, 2.73 for MTNL, 3.80 for Jio and 4.38 for VIL.
Data speeds put Jio and Airtel at the top
On downloads across Delhi, Airtel gave an average 234 Mbps on combined 5G, 4G and 2G. Jio was slightly higher at 249.02 Mbps on 5G and 4G. VIL was much lower at 23.82 Mbps. MTNL lagged far behind with 5.04 Mbps on 3G and 2G.
Upload speeds were also checked. Airtel came in at 31.83 Mbps and Jio clocked 25.98 Mbps. Vodafone Idea pushed 11.38 Mbps. MTNL delivered 1.68 Mbps upload which explains why many users on old networks struggle with WhatsApp uploads.
Latency is a single number that gamers often ask for first. Airtel averaged 11.69 milliseconds. Jio 15.18 milliseconds. VIL 35.03 milliseconds. MTNL 21.32 milliseconds. A lower figure means quicker response.
Hotspot test highlights real time usage
TRAI tested hotspots like metro stations, malls and school zones. Here, Jio’s 5G download speed touched 291.96 Mbps. Airtel 5G was 235.46 Mbps. VIL 5G reached 30.40 Mbps. MTNL had no 4G or 5G detected in these areas.
These hotspot tests matter. That is exactly where people use heavy apps and watch video. The regulator seems clear that performance should hold up in crowded areas.
Walking test in Delhi and Gurugram
The walking test focused on DLF Cyber Hub Gurugram and Jwala Heri Market Paschim Vihar. TRAI tried to capture behaviour in tight and busy environments. If you have ever tried loading a map while squeezing through a weekend market, this part of the test makes complete sense.
TRAI signals service issues need fixing
The tests show a wide gap between the top three operators and MTNL. Even VIL has noticeable drop off in data speeds compared to Airtel and Jio. The regulator used standard test equipment and protocols.
TRAI noted that results have been communicated to all telecom service providers. This usually means the regulator expects corrective action. It also gives Delhi users a clear reference of who is performing well today and where improvements are required.