TRAI new guidelines: There is a big good news for crores of mobile users of the country. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued new guidelines, which will improve the quality and transparency of mobile services. TRAI has ordered telecom companies like Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea and BSNL to publish the geographical map of their network coverage.
The move is aimed at helping users choose the right telecom operator and improving the quality of network services.
Network Coverage Map: What will be the benefit to the users?
- Choosing a better telecom operator:
- Now mobile users will be able to choose the best network in their area.
- These maps will be helpful while purchasing new SIM cards or changing operators.
- Real Time Information:
- These maps will have complete information about the coverage of 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
- Users will know whether wireless voice or broadband service is available in their area or not.
- Ease of MNP (Mobile Number Portability):
- These guidelines will be very beneficial for the users doing MNP, because they will already know which operator’s network is better in their area.
Efforts to improve service quality
This order of TRAI is a big step towards improving the quality of service.
- Emphasis on service quality:
- TRAI has clarified that network coverage is an important part of quality of service.
- No user can expect good service in a non-coverage area, so improvement in this direction is necessary.
- Constantly Updated Maps:
- Telecom companies must ensure that their coverage maps are updated regularly.
- With this, users will get real time network information.
- 99% Service Quality:
- TRAI has directed telecom companies to maintain their service quality at 99% or more.
Maps will also be available in mobile apps
TRAI has directed telecom companies to provide coverage maps not only on their websites but also in mobile apps.
- Main characteristics:
- Users will be able to see what services are available in their area through mobile apps.
- Coverage maps in the apps will be made interactive so that users can easily get information.
Deadline for companies till 2025
- Deadline:
- TRAI has given time to telecom companies to provide coverage maps on their websites and apps till April 1, 2025.
- Map will be on the home page:
- Telecom companies will have to ensure that the coverage map is available on the home page of their website, so that users do not have trouble finding it.
- Display with Branding:
- Telecom companies will have to display the coverage map with their logo and branding.
Need for real time coverage updates
TRAI has also directed companies to continuously update their network coverage area.
- This will provide accurate and real time information to the users.
- This step becomes even more important with the expansion of new 5G networks.
