Back in March 2017, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has urged that dual SIM 4G smartphones in India are uncertified and untested, which is causing several calls drops and network speed issues. But those reports were dismissed by the Indian Cellular Association saying that the devices are well-built and meet all the prescribed norms.
And now, the minister of state for law and IT P.P. Chaudhary informed Parliament that the 4G smartphones with dual SIM slots have issues related to Internet speed. He also urged that handset makers have been asked to improve technology to check degradation in data speed.
A report of PTI cites that “As per the details provided by (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) Trai, 4G-enabled dual SIM smartphones have issues relating to speed. In these phones only, one slot is 4G enabled, which is either predefined by the manufacturer or which can be selected by the user through options on the phone,” Chaudhary said in the Lok Sabha.
“In the case of 4G SIM is put in the 3G/2G slot, there will be relatively higher degradation, and it may be reduced by putting a SIM in an appropriate slot. There could also be higher degradation in case two 4G SIMs are used by the customer, and one of the service providers is offering only 4G services,” he said.
Furthermore, there has been a war of words between Reliance Jio and India's leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel for the fastest wireless broadband service provider in the country. Credible speed test service, Ookla has rated Bharti Airtel as the fastest operator in India. However, Reliance Jio accused Ookla of the misleading report.
Further, Ookla also said that the network speed would differ in case of dual SIM smartphones, which is the reason for COAI to raise the issue. Chaudhary said, "There would be degradation in speed in case of these phones for specific scenarios when both SIMs are being used at the same time as the resources are shared for the two SIMs."
“The mobile handset manufacturers are required to take appropriate action for improving algorithm used in this regard,” Chaudhary added. He further said Trai had discussed the matter with service providers, industry associations, the COAI, ICA and chipset manufacturers.
“The Indian Cellular Association was advised to take up the matter with the manufacturers so as to upgrade the algorithm in the handsets. Also, the service providers were advised to educate the consumers about the proper use of SIM slot in dual SIM smartphones,” the minister concluded.
