Average download speed more than three times that of nearest competitor; network availability nearly 100 pc, call drops below 0.7 pc

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 12, 2026

Reliance Jio has emerged as the top-performing telecom operator in and around Balasore, recording an average download speed of 239.24 Mbps and nearly 100 per cent network availability in the latest Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The results highlighted Jio’s strong 4G and 5G network performance, with its average download speed more than three times that of its nearest competitor, according to the test findings. Jio also recorded the lowest call drop rate among the service providers assessed, at less than 0.7 per cent, underscoring its network reliability.

As part of the assessment, TRAI conducted drive tests covering 345 km across Balasore and adjoining areas from August 18 to 20, 2026, evaluating mobile network performance under real-world conditions.

The assessment covered Balasore, Januganj, Mallikashpur, Remuna, Fuladi, Soro, Markona, Anantapur, Gopalpur, Jamujhadi, Gandibed, Santaragadia, Seragarh, Nilagiri, Amarda Road, Darada, Jamsuli, Chalanti, Nampo, Jaleswar, Baharda and Baliapal. The regulator also evaluated stationary user experience at seven busy locations, including Balasore Bus Stand, Chandaneswar Temple, Government District Hospital in Balasore, Jaleswar Railway Station, KKS Women’s College, Balasore Main Market and Max Mall.

According to the results, Jio registered an average download speed of 239.24 Mbps, significantly ahead of Airtel at 67.10 Mbps, Vodafone Idea (Vi) at 24.65 Mbps and BSNL at 8.18 Mbps. Jio also delivered an average upload speed of 16.28 Mbps during the test.

The findings reinforce Jio’s position in delivering high-speed mobile connectivity and reliable network access across urban centres as well as smaller towns and rural pockets. Strong network availability, faster data speeds and fewer dropped calls are increasingly important as consumers rely on mobile connectivity for digital payments, online education, entertainment, business operations and access to essential services.

Jio’s network performance in the region comes amid its expanding presence across Odisha’s telecom and home broadband markets. According to the latest telecom subscription data published by TRAI, Jio leads the wireless, wireline and fixed wireless access (FWA) segments in the state, with more than 1.86 crore mobile subscribers and over 8.21 lakh JioFiber and JioAirFiber home broadband subscribers.

Powered by its 4G and 5G network infrastructure, the company continues to expand digital connectivity across Odisha, supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and digital services in both urban and rural areas.