- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Currently, users in India can avail of 2G,3G,4G and 5G network services which are concentrated in the hands of three major telecom service providers, namely, Jio, Airtel, and Vi. Customers previously did not have much information about the type of network or operator available in their designated area before they could get their hands on a SIM card. This is a major issue as buying a SIM that does not have proper coverage could lead to issues like network unavailability, call dropping and even lowered internet speeds. Apparently, we might be looking at a solution for this problem as all the major telecom service providers like Airtel, Jio and Vi now offer maps that show their network coverage on their websites. This comes against the backdrop of a mandate issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) which requires the network telecom service providers to show geospatial coverage maps online.
For now, barring BSNL, all major telecom companies are giving detailed information on the availability of their wireless connection in different areas. Customers can now check an operator’s website to view the availability of 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G networks in their area. This initiative is part of TRAI's updated Quality of Service (QoS) regulations, effective October 1, 2024. The primary objective is to empower consumers by helping them make informed decisions when choosing a telecom provider.
All the major telecom service providers like Jio, Airtel and Vi have made these coverage maps available online. Airtel customers can view this map on their official website at the footer under the heading 'Help At Hand', which is listed as 'Check Coverage'. However for Airtel when we tried to check the network coverage on their map, after selecting the current location which is Noida Sector 16, it showed no coverage, and we found similar results even after selecting the 'other location' option and typing in the location at the time of writing this article, the screenshot for which is attached below. I am currently using an Airtel SIM and receiving 5G and 4G network both.
In Jio the map is listed as 'Coverage Map' under the heading 'Useful Links' found under the footer. Thankfully, the coverage map on Jio works fine and you can just put in the location and it will display the coverage area which is colour-coded for your ease. We tried this from our end and the screenshot for which is attached below.
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Image Credits: Jio
In Vi, the option to check coverage is listed under the heading 'regulatory and quick access' in the footer as 'Network Coverage' at the end. The map on this also works fine as we tried it from our location, you can select the location in the search bar of the map and select the network type you want to find out about and it will show the coverage area which is colour-coded.
Image Credits: Vi
However, consumers should be aware of the disclaimer from telecom companies—these coverage maps are high-level approximations and may not reflect every gap in service. Factors like terrain, weather, signal strength, network changes, construction, and device compatibility can all impact actual coverage and service quality.
Previously, Airtel took steps to improve network transparency for Indian customers. As part of Project Leap, launched in 2015, the company introduced India’s first Open Network in June 2016. This initiative allowed customers to access details such as tower locations, weak signal areas, and zones with strong coverage. However, this was Airtel’s own independent effort.