Call drop: TRAI sets new quality norms for 4G networks

NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator today released new parameters for assessing call quality on the 4G network with a view to checking problems like voice mute faced by customers.

            The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to measure call quality on the 4G network in terms of data packets — a parameter different from benchamrks used for assessing call drops on 2G and 3G networks.

            The regulator has mandated telecom operators to ensure that not more than or equal to 2 per cent of total data packets transmitted during uplink and downlink of calls should be lost so that customers get to experience better call quality.

             New norms would be applicable from October 1.

            Voice calls on 4G network are made using data as the entire network is developed using Internet protocol (IP) technology.

            In case of 2G and 3G networks, customers experience automatic disconnection of calls which is called as ‘call drop’. However, since the advent of 4G network, customers often do not get to hear voice from the other side due to data loss and disconnect call on their own. Such disconnection does not qualify as a call drop under the norms for 2G and 3G networks.

             Additionally, TRAI also directed telecom operators to conduct field test for ascertaining reason for delay in setting up of call on 4G network every quarter starting October 1. (AGENCIES)