TRAI Drive Tests Reveal Strong 5G Speeds but Coverage Gaps Across Bihar Routes

Brief By Newsbrief / 3:58 PM on 02 Jan 2026

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of its Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted across major routes and urban pockets of Bihar, offering a mixed picture of the state’s 5G rollout. The assessment reveals that while cities are witnessing strong 5G performance, connectivity remains inconsistent along several highways and non-urban stretches.

According to the report, peak download speeds exceeded 200 Mbps in multiple city locations, indicating robust network capability and effective deployment by telecom operators in dense urban areas. Users in city centres experienced smoother data services, faster downloads, and improved overall network responsiveness, reflecting the rapid expansion of next-generation mobile infrastructure.

However, the drive tests also highlighted notable gaps. Several routes showed patchy coverage, frequent signal drops, and inconsistent data speeds, particularly in semi-urban and rural stretches. These gaps were observed across multiple operators, pointing to infrastructure challenges rather than isolated network issues. The findings suggest that while headline speeds are impressive, uniform service quality remains a concern for commuters and residents outside major cities.

TRAI noted that the tests were conducted to objectively assess real-world network performance and help operators identify areas requiring improvement. The regulator emphasized the need for focused investment in network densification, especially along highways and transport corridors, to ensure seamless connectivity. As Bihar continues its digital expansion, addressing these coverage gaps will be crucial to delivering reliable 5G services across the state.