The Department of Telecommunications has introduced a groundbreaking initiative allowing Jio, BSNL, and Airtel users to make calls using any available network when their SIM signal is lost. This is made possible through the newly launched Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, which enables telecom service providers (TSPs) to share infrastructure at government-funded mobile towers.
Under this facility, users can access up to 45 networks and make calls even when outside the range of their own provider’s cellular towers. These networks will be accessible via a single DBN-funded tower, ensuring seamless connectivity across regions.
With TSPs now allowed to share infrastructure at government-funded mobile towers, a significant number of customers stand to benefit by accessing 4G connectivity from the same tower. This eliminates the need for multiple towers for each provider, reducing overall installations. As a result, more people can enjoy improved mobile services without substantial additional costs.
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This initiative aims to deliver reliable 4G connectivity to over 35,400 rural and remote villages, supported by approximately 27,000 towers, significantly enhancing communication and digital access in underserved areas.
At the launch of the ICR service, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia underscored the importance of this initiative, describing it as a pivotal advancement. Scindia highlighted that the three major telecom companies—BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance—are collaborating to share their networks at all DBN-funded locations.
He highlighted that approximately 27,836 sites would be covered under the initiative, stressing that it aims not only to improve connectivity but also to offer users across the country greater choices in mobile services.
Currently, users can only benefit from the services of the TSP that has established the tower with DBN’s support, which means subscribers from other telecom companies are not able to access these towers.
