India is rapidly moving toward advanced telecom technologies like 5G-Advanced, SATCOM, and even 6G. Telecom exports are rising, infrastructure numbers are growing, and innovation stories dominate headlines.

Yet on the ground, a different reality exists.

Across rural and semi-urban India and even in congested cities users continue to experience:

• Poor or unstable network coverage
• Extremely low and inconsistent data speeds
• High latency and frequent service disruption
• Complaints being closed without real resolution
• Full recharge charges despite poor Quality of Service (QoS)

Recent RTI replies from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reveal a critical regulation gap:

 

 

 

• There is no prescribed minimum internet speed for 4G/5G services
• QoS monitoring relies heavily on operator-submitted reports
• Independent on-ground verification is limited
• Penalties for poor service quality are weak or rarely enforced

This means that even extremely low speeds can still be considered “4G” or “5G” on paper, while users continue to pay the same tariff as those receiving high-quality service.

At the same time, higher frequency next generation networks require more towers and denser infrastructure, yet operators often avoid installations in low-population or rural areas due to commercial reasons. This deepens the digital divide while prices continue to rise.

India cannot build a digital future on a foundation where quality is assumed but not guaranteed.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully urge the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI to take the following actions:

• Define and mandate minimum data speed standards for 4G and 5G services
• Introduce independent, regulator-led on-ground QoS verification
• Link tariff hikes to measurable service quality improvements
• Ensure rural and low-population areas receive enforceable coverage obligations

Improve transparency and accountability in complaint resolution processes

Why This Matters

Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury it is essential for education, healthcare, work, governance, and digital inclusion.

Users should not be forced to pay full prices for sub standard service simply because regulations do not protect them.

Strong telecom growth must go hand in hand with strong consumer protection.

Call to Action

We urge policymakers to close this regulation gap and ensure that every Indian receives reliable, measurable, and fair-quality telecom service.

Please sign and share this petition to demand accountability, transparency, and real Quality of Service in India’s telecom sector.