The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI /BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 11, 2025
Reliance Jio has emerged as the undisputed leader in 5G network performance at the Maha Kumbh 2025, according to the latest report by Ookla. The telecom giant delivered a remarkable 5G median download speed of 201.87 Mbps, surpassing Airtel’s 165.23 Mbps.
Even during peak congestion on January 26, Jio maintained significantly higher 5G speeds compared to 4G networks, reinforcing its superior infrastructure and efficiency. Jio also led in 5G availability, registering an impressive 83.9%, nearly double that of Airtel, which recorded 42.4%.
A key factor behind Jio’s outstanding performance was its strategic deployment of the 700 MHz low-band spectrum, which provided extensive coverage and ensured reliable connectivity across the densely populated Mela grounds.
Jio’s 5G network also delivered an enhanced user experience with faster page load times of 1.99 seconds and a 5G video start time of 1.79 seconds, significantly reducing buffering and enhancing streaming quality.
Furthermore, Jio demonstrated high network resilience during peak usage periods. On the busiest days, Jio’s 5G Standalone (SA) network efficiently managed over 20 million voice calls and 400 million data service requests, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity despite the heavy traffic. The company’s extensive 5G deployment played a crucial role in maintaining seamless service amid record-breaking crowds. Jio’s low-band spectrum strategy enabled stronger signal penetration, providing reliable network access across high-density areas.
In addition to its 5G dominance, Jio also led in 4G performance at the Maha Kumbh Mela Kshetra, achieving a 4G median download speed of 18.19 Mbps, ahead of Airtel’s 17.65 Mbps and BSNL’s 11.64 Mbps.
