UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data at the end of May 2026

Q1. In the context of TRAI's mandate under the TRAI Act, 1997, the term 'recommendatory functions' refers precisely to which one of the following?

  • A. Functions under which TRAI makes recommendations on matters such as need and timing for introduction of new service providers and spectrum management, which are not binding on the Central Government
  • B. Functions under which TRAI fixes and notifies the rates at which telecommunication services are to be provided
  • C. Functions under which TRAI ensures compliance with licence conditions and technical interconnection between service providers
  • D. Functions under which TRAI adjudicates disputes between licensors and licensees and hears appeals

Q2. The monthly 'Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data' for May 2026, disseminated through the Press Information Bureau, are based on subscriber data compiled and released by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
  • B. Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • C. Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC)
  • D. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)

Q3. As per TRAI/PIB telecom subscription data, what was the urban wireless tele-density (telephones per 100 population) in India at the end of April 2026?

  • A. 143.69%
  • B. 60.16%
  • C. 148.92%
  • D. 90.28%

Q4. With reference to India's telecom tele-density data at the end of April 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Rural wireless tele-density stood at 60.16%.
  2. Urban wireline tele-density stood at 8.42%.
  3. Delhi LSA recorded the maximum tele-density among all licensed service areas.
  4. Tele-density is computed using population figures taken directly from the Census of India 2011.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. As per the definition adopted by TRAI for reporting broadband subscribers in India, 'broadband' is a data connection that supports interactive services and a minimum download speed of:

  • A. 256 kbps
  • B. 512 kbps
  • C. 1 Mbps
  • D. 2 Mbps

Q6. Under which Section of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 was the erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) re-established as the Digital Bharat Nidhi?

  • A. Section 22
  • B. Section 24
  • C. Section 26
  • D. Section 28

Q7. Under the Mobile Number Portability framework in India, which one of the following entities has been granted the licence to operate MNP services exclusively in Zone-1 (Northern and Western India)?

  • A. Syniverse Technologies (I) Pvt. Ltd.
  • B. MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions (I) Pvt. Ltd.
  • C. Telcordia Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
  • D. C-DOT Number Portability Services Ltd.

Q8. With reference to Mobile Number Portability (MNP) request data released in the monthly Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data, consider the following statements comparing March 2026 and April 2026: 1. The total number of MNP requests submitted in April 2026 was higher than in March 2026. 2. In both March 2026 and April 2026, Zone-I accounted for a greater number of MNP requests than Zone-II. 3. The number of MNP requests received from Zone-II in April 2026 was higher than that received from Zone-II in March 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The total number of MNP requests submitted in April 2026 was higher than in March 2026.
  2. In both March 2026 and April 2026, Zone-I accounted for a greater number of MNP requests than Zone-II.
  3. The number of MNP requests received from Zone-II in April 2026 was higher than that received from Zone-II in March 2026.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3