TRAI launches Anubhav platform to let users compare mobile, broadband network quality

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday launched the Network Anubhav Platform, an interactive geospatial dashboard that allows consumers to examine mobile and broadband network performance across different locations and telecom service providers.

The platform integrates consumer-generated test results from TRAI's MySpeed and MyCall applications with independent drive-test data collected by the regulator, providing location-specific insights into internet speeds, call quality and network coverage.

The initiative is aimed at improving transparency in telecom services and enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about network performance in their areas.

TRAI said the platform would also help telecom service providers identify areas requiring network improvements and strengthen the regulator's ability to monitor service quality using consumer-generated data.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀

The Network Anubhav Platform features interactive maps that allow users to examine the distribution of network tests conducted across different geographical locations.

Consumers can view results separately for mobile cellular networks and fixed broadband services, with further classifications based on telecom operators and network technologies.

The dashboard displays technical parameters, including download and upload speeds, allowing users to compare recorded network performance in specific areas.

Users can navigate and zoom into locations, apply filters, examine supporting data tables and download analytical reports.

The system also enables consumers to view network tests conducted by other users, providing an indication of the connectivity experience reported in their neighbourhoods.

However, TRAI clarified that consumer-generated test results do not constitute a comprehensive assessment of network quality under standardised testing methodologies.

Instead, the information is intended to provide additional insights into the network experience of users in different locations.

𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀

The platform uses percentile-based measurements to present internet speed performance based on tests conducted within a selected geographical area.

These include P50, representing the median speed at which half of the recorded tests achieved the displayed speed or higher.

For mobile broadband connections, the P80 indicator represents the speed achieved or exceeded in 80 per cent of the recorded tests.

Similarly, the P90 indicator for fixed broadband connections represents the speed achieved or exceeded in 90 per cent of the tests.

These measurements are designed to provide a broader understanding of actual user experiences rather than relying exclusively on advertised internet speeds.

TRAI said the dashboard would also display results from independent drive tests, allowing consumers to examine regulator-conducted assessments alongside user-generated observations.

𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮

Telecom service providers will be able to access additional technical information through a secure interface.

The available information includes consumer-generated data on call quality, network coverage and internet performance, along with the location, date and time of tests.

The regulator said this would help operators identify geographical areas where consumers were experiencing connectivity problems.

Telecom companies could subsequently use the information to investigate network deficiencies, optimise infrastructure and improve service delivery.

TRAI will also use the aggregated information for evidence-based monitoring of consumer experiences and network performance.

Speaking at the launch, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said the platform would improve transparency by making network test results more accessible to consumers and service providers.

"The Network Anubhav Platform brings greater transparency to observed network tests conducted by Consumers and TRAI," Lahoti said.

He added that the initiative would enable consumers to analyse location-specific and service provider-specific tests while helping telecom companies identify areas requiring network optimisation.

𝗗𝗡𝗗 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Apart from network performance monitoring, the platform provides a web-based interface for Do Not Disturb (DND) services.

Consumers can use the facility to register their preferences regarding commercial communications, submit complaints about unsolicited calls and messages, and track the status of their complaints.

The dashboard also provides consolidated and telecom operator-wise information on complaints relating to unwanted commercial communications.

The inclusion of DND services brings network quality monitoring and consumer complaint facilities together on a single digital platform.

𝗠𝘆𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

TRAI has also introduced a MySpeed Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling eligible third-party applications to integrate internet connectivity measurement capabilities.

The regulator said wider integration could increase participation and expand the volume of real-world network measurements available through the platform.

Consumers have been encouraged to regularly conduct network tests using TRAI's MySpeed and MyCall applications.

According to the regulator, greater participation will improve the geographical coverage and usefulness of the information displayed on the dashboard.

The platform is accessible at anubhav.trai.gov.in and forms part of TRAI's efforts to strengthen consumer awareness, improve telecom service quality and encourage data-driven network management.