How to use TRAI's MySpeed App to check internet speeds

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has launched its official internet speed test app called MySpeed. The speed test app is available on both iOS, Android platforms. Much like the well known Ookla Speed test app, TRAI’s MySpeed measures the download and upload speed of your internet connection, for both Wi-Fi and Cellular connectivity. The app also allows users to send their speed test, signal strength, network information results to the regulatory body, which wants this information to keep a check on the quality of services provided by Indian telecom operators.

In the past, TRAI has recieved a lot of complaints from mobile internet users experiencing lower than promised speeds. As per reports, TRAI also found that certain network operators provide 2G speeds on a 3G connection. The regulator has also defined minimum internet speeds that should be delivered to users.

While the MySpeed app sends a user’s personal network, speed information to the regulator, it does not do so in the form of a complaint. This is just information to help the regulatory body formulate policies in the future. So, how exactly does the app work? Let’s find out.

The TRAI MySpeed app is fairly simple to use. Although many Android users have complained about the app crashing on start-up, we installed the same on an iPhone 6, and it works just fine. As far as the app UI is concerned, it features a clean and fairly self explanatory interface. When the app opens, it automatically detects if you are connected to a Wi-Fi or a cellular (3G/4G) network.

Users can then press the ‘Begin Test’ button to get their speed test results. There is also a tab within the app to check previous test results performed on the device. Another tab with a loudspeaker-like icon directs the user to their last result, with an option of forwarding the same to TRAI.

Users throughout the country have been experiencing poor coverage and internet speeds, and while telcos have taken steps to improve the condition, results are far from expectations. Not only are users getting lower speeds as opposed to the promised speeds, prominent areas in metros see poor coverage and services.

Looks like TRAI is cracking the whip to ensure that telcos do not provide substandard services in India, and through this medium, TRAI will get enough proof for a strict action against them.