Network lost: Mandi, Kullu users face digital blackout

The state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is facing serious criticism for its deteriorating mobile services in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi and Kullu districts. An Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) between May 26 and 28 has revealed severe lapses in network performance across both urban and rural zones, including key locations such as Paddhar, Kunnu, Kotrupi and IIT-Mandi.

The most glaring red flag is BSNL’s call drop rate, which stood at a staggering 15.69%—the worst among all major telecom operators in the area. In comparison, private players like Airtel and Reliance Jio maintained drop rates well below 1%, recording just 0.67% and 0.66% respectively. Vodafone Idea followed with 2.03%. BSNL also trailed in call setup success, achieving just 93.29%—significantly lower than Airtel’s 98.90% and Jio’s 98.70%. Call connection delays were notable, with BSNL averaging 3.85 seconds to connect a call, far slower than Jio (0.76 seconds) and Airtel (1.28 seconds).

Voice clarity proved equally problematic. The BSNL received a Mean Opinion Score (MOS) of 2.61 on a 5-point scale—well below the industry-accepted minimum of 4.0. Residents described persistent issues like dropped calls, poor audio quality, and multiple failed attempts to connect, which they say have become part of daily life.

In terms of data, BSNL’s performance was underwhelming. Average download speeds clocked in at just 3.25 Mbps, with upload speeds hovering around 3.76 Mbps. Comparatively, Airtel and Jio offered average downloads of 134.56 Mbps and 194.15 Mbps respectively, and uploads near 19 Mbps. Even in high-traffic hubs like IIT Mandi, BSNL’s 4G managed just 5.27 Mbps, while rivals reached 5G peaks of 326.39 Mbps (Jio) and 572.97 Mbps (Airtel).

Residents say the report reflects their day-to-day struggles. With mobile networks serving as the only lifeline for online classes, telehealth consultations, and emergency services, poor connectivity has had real-life consequences. To add insult to injury, BSNL has reportedly been shifting users to fibre plans without completing installations—while continuing to bill them—leaving homes and businesses without any functioning service.

While TRAI says the IDT is aimed at improving service standards, local officials and consumer groups are calling for immediate upgrades—or for BSNL’s monopoly to be broken in underserved areas. Unless urgent reforms are made, BSNL risks losing its already fragile customer base to faster, more reliable private competitors.

Himachal Tribune