Mukesh Ambani’s Jio, Airtel, BSNL join hands together, now use mobile data, make calls, from any available network via…

This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s telecom sector, making mobile connectivity more seamless and reliable across the country.

Millions of mobile users in India can now enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, even in areas with weak network signals, thanks to the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) service launched on January 17. Supported by telecom giants Reliance Jio, Airtel, and BSNL, this revolutionary initiative enables users to make calls and access 4G data by seamlessly connecting to any available network.

What is ICR, and How Does It Work?

The Intra Circle Roaming service allows telecom providers to share infrastructure funded by the government’s Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program. When a user’s primary network is unavailable, their device automatically switches to another available network using the same mobile tower.

This innovative collaboration ensures uninterrupted connectivity without any additional charges for users, making dropped calls and poor data speeds a thing of the past.

Enhancing Connectivity In Rural Areas

The launch event also showcased nearly 27,000 4G mobile towers installed under the DBN program to improve connectivity in underserved areas. These towers are expected to provide reliable mobile coverage to over 35,000 villages across India.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, while unveiling the service, emphasized its transformative potential to bridge the digital divide. Reliable connectivity, he noted, would significantly boost education, healthcare, and economic activities in rural and remote areas.

Win-Win For Telecom Operators

Previously, DBN-funded towers were exclusive to the operators who installed them. With the implementation of ICR, users from all participating telecom providers can access these towers, fostering inclusivity and connectivity.

For telecom companies shared infrastructure minimizes the need for additional towers. It also reduced capital expenditure on new installations.

For users it will give seamless connectivity, reliable service, even in areas with traditionally weak network access. Also there will be fewer dropped calls and improved data speeds.

With ICR in place, users in both urban and rural regions can look forward to uninterrupted service, paving the way for a more digitally inclusive India.