TRAI App To Help Set Benchmark On Internet Speed

A much needed initiative, the MySpeed App launched by the Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) will help the telecom regulator set benchmarks for quality of service for internet speeds on both fixed line and wireless broadband networks.

The initiative will also ensure better data connectivity to consumers. This app comes in line and to complement several of the key government initiatives which are on the digital platform. In order to deliver quality services for government's digital initiatives, high-speed internet and strong network strength are essential, the government has said.

So what is required? Consumers simple need to download the TRAI App and upload the details of their Internet speed and quality of network on the TRAI server. TRAI will get the data analysed and also publish the same. After the regulator collects sufficient data and analysis, it plans to launch a Consultation paper to set benchmark on network services and Internet speed.

The MySpeed app will check the speed of internet networks both on broadband at home and on 3G/4G wireless networks. The move also comes after TRAI and operators locked horms over data on call drops. While the operators alleged that the regulator had conducted selective drive tests to determine instances of call drops, TRAI has maintained that the area of the drive tests were selected in consultation with the operators.

Operators Open Their Network

Even before the TRAI App was officially launched, last month Bharti Airtel announced its initiative – Open Network – that displays its mobile network coverage and signal strength across India in addition to network site deployment status. The initiative under Project Leap, its national network transformation initiative, sees the company open up its entire mobile network information to its customers through an interactive online interface, a company statement had said last month.

“Using a simple colour scheme, the interface will allow customers to check if the Airtel mobile network in an area is excellent, good, moderate or non-existent, along with the status of corresponding sites serving the area – existing, required, being upgraded or forcibly shut down. The interface uses geospatial tools and other technologies for accurate reporting of network coverage,” it said. The new interface is available to Airtel customers in the website and app.

“Open Network is a paradigm shift in the way we engage with our customers. With this initiative, we are establishing complete transparency with regards to our mobile network and opening ourselves to customer scrutiny and feedback,” Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO (India and South Asia) for Airtel had said.

Bharti Airtel has also joined hands with 5BARz India to improve its customer experience through the 5BARz plug and play network extender which the company claims provide improved cellular connectivity for clear voice calls and faster data throughput alongside saving battery usage of mobile handsets.

The move is a step in the Project Leap network transformation program started in last December by Airtel which is an initiative aimed at upping network quality and improving customer experience. Under the same, Airtel has invested over Rs 15,000 crore across India towards deployment of over 88,000 sites and plans to make a national investment of Rs 60,000 crore in a three year span.