According to the latest Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for May 2025, Bharti Airtel has emerged as the clear leader in 5G download speeds across data performance hotspots in Himachal, clocking an impressive 572.97 Mbps. In comparison, Reliance Jio posted a 5G download speed of 326.39 Mbps, revealing a significant gap of over 246 Mbps between the two leading telecom players.
Airtel posted strong 5G upload speeds of 62.30 Mbps, while Jio followed with 53.38 Mbps, reflecting a consistent performance edge in both download and upload metrics.
In the 4G segment as well, Airtel narrowly edged out Jio with a download speed of 59.56 Mbps against Jio’s 59.52 Mbps, while maintaining a stronger upload performance.
With telecom competition intensifying in the post 5G launch landscape, these speed test results provide a granular view into real-world network capabilities. Himachal, known for its challenging terrain and increasing digital footprint, serves as a critical zone to evaluate performance beyond metros. TRAI's IDT methodology includes on-ground measurements collected across major routes and hotspot zones, reflecting true user experience rather than lab-controlled figures.
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The data also places BSNL and Vodafone Idea behind the curve in hotspot speeds, with BSNL reporting 5.27 Mbps (4G DL) and 12.73 Mbps (4G UL), while Vi lagged further with 14.30 Mbps (4G DL) and 6.55 Mbps (4G UL).
While Jio has aggressively rolled out 5G coverage across India with standalone (SA) technology, Airtel’s focus on performance optimisation in key zones appears to be paying off.
The May 2025 TRAI IDT results from Himachal Pradesh clearly signal Airtel’s growing strength in delivering high-speed 5G connectivity where it matters in real world hotspot zones. While Jio continues to lead in coverage nationwide, the significant speed gap seen in this report could influence user perception and brand preference in performance-sensitive regions. As the 5G race enters its next phase, consistency, not just scale, will define who truly leads India’s digital future. Airtel’s showing in Himachal might just be the start of a larger shift.
