Airtel launches new platform to display network status

Telecom major Bharti Airtel today announced launch of a new platform -- Open Network -- that will show users the status of its network coverage and quality map across the country.

"With this initiative, we are establishing complete transparency with regard to our mobile network and opening ourselves to customer scrutiny and feedback. Airtel customers can now take charge of network issues and be part of the solution," Bharti Airtel MD and CEO for India and South Asia, Gopal Vittal said in a statement.

This is being seen as a first of its kind initiative from an industry player to throw open its mobile network information to customers.

The new interface will display Airtel's mobile network coverage and signal strength across India in addition to network site deployment status.

The interface will be available on Airtel's website and and myAirtel app starting tomorrow. It will also allow customers to report their network related issues, the statement said.

"In addition, customers can also contact the Airtel Call Centre or walk into any of the Airtel Flagship Stores across the country to report their network related issues. All Airtel call centres and Flagship Stores have been specially equipped with solutions based on the new interface to respond to network related issues," it claimed.

Airtel has also reduced call drop benchmark compliance voluntarily by 25 per cent to 1.5 per cent from 2 per cent mandated by telecom regulator Trai. As per Trai's norm, not more than 2 per cent call on a network should automatically get disconnected in a quarter.