Telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI), in its quality test drive in Mumbai, has found that users of state-run telecom operator MTNL are experiencing worst telecom service in the area. During the independent auditing drive conducted by TRAI from May 10 to May 13, MTNL registered 42.92 percent of dropped call rate on its 3G network. 

On the 2G network, the telecom operator had 17.93 percent of dropped call rate. The drive was conducted over a distance of 580 km.

The quality of MTNL service in Mumbai has only worsened. In January, the state-run operator registered dropped call rates at 15.58 percent and 13.04 percent on its 3G and 2G networks, respectively.

Earlier, TRAI conducted a similar test drive in Bhopal between May 3 and May 5 wherein it found that state-run BSNL’s call drop rate to be at 12.38 percent on its 2G network and 22.17 percent on its 3G network.

As per TRAI, permissible rate of dropped call should not be more than two percent.

Other telecom operators offering their services in the region include Airtel, Aircel, Idea, Vodafone, Reliance and TATA. None of the other service providers registered double-digit increase in dropped call rate. However, except Airtel, all service providers failed to meet the standard rate.

TRAI is now planning to approach department of telecommunications headed by Ravi Shankar Prasad for setting up an ombudsman to resolve consumer complaints against the poor performing operators.