New Delhi, 04 November (H.S.): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday launched the Network Experience Platform, a geospatial and analytical dashboard designed to provide consumers with area-wise information on mobile and fixed broadband network performance. Through the platform, users will be able to access information about internet speeds, call quality and network coverage in their respective areas.

The platform will make available the results of TRAI’s independent drive tests, along with test data submitted by consumers through the MySpeed and MyCall applications. It also incorporates a web-based interface for registering complaints about unsolicited commercial communications and accessing Do Not Disturb (DND) services.

According to TRAI, the platform will enable consumers to view network test results through interactive geographical maps, categorised by service provider and technology. Users will be able to access information on various performance parameters, including download and upload speeds. The maps can be zoomed in to examine test results from specific locations. The dashboard also offers filtering options, tabular presentations and facilities to download reports.

The platform will additionally display the P50, P80 and P90 benchmarks based on consumer-conducted tests. P50 indicates that the speed recorded in 50 per cent of the tests was equal to or higher than the displayed value. For mobile broadband, P80 represents the speed at or above which 80 per cent of the recorded tests were conducted. Similarly, for fixed broadband, P90 indicates the speed at or above which 90 per cent of the tests were recorded.

TRAI clarified that data derived from consumer-conducted tests does not constitute a comprehensive assessment of network quality based on a standardised methodology. However, it provides users with valuable insights into the network experiences of other consumers across different locations. The dashboard will also allow users to examine the findings of independent drive tests through geographical maps.

Telecom service providers will be able to access consumer-generated data on call quality, network coverage and internet performance through a secure interface. The information will include location-specific details, dates, timings and relevant technical parameters. This will help telecom operators identify geographical areas requiring further analysis and take appropriate measures to improve network performance. TRAI will also use the data for evidence-based monitoring of consumer experiences and to support improvements in network performance.

TRAI’s MySpeed Software Development Kit (SDK) allows eligible third-party applications to integrate internet connectivity measurement capabilities into their platforms. This is expected to expand the participation of users and enable a larger volume of test results to be incorporated into the Network Experience Platform.

The platform will also enable consumers to register their preferences regarding unsolicited commercial communications, lodge complaints and track their status. In addition, users will be able to access consolidated complaint data as well as information categorised by individual telecom service providers.

Speaking on the occasion, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said the Network Experience Platform would enhance transparency in network tests conducted by both consumers and the regulator. It would empower users to analyse test results according to location and service provider, while helping telecom companies identify areas requiring network optimisation.

Lahoti urged consumers to regularly conduct network tests through the MySpeed and MyCall applications to contribute to a more transparent and consumer-driven assessment of telecom service quality.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar