No Network? No Problem: Jio, Airtel, and BSNL Users Can Now Make Calls Anyway
India has implemented a new Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) service that allows mobile users to maintain connectivity even in areas with weak network signals. Launched on January 17, the service enables customers of BSNL, Jio, and Airtel to automatically connect to any available network when their primary network is unavailable.
The ICR service operates through mobile towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program. Under this initiative, telecom providers can share infrastructure, allowing users to switch seamlessly between networks at the same tower location without incurring additional charges.
The government’s program aims to establish approximately 27,000 mobile towers to provide coverage to more than 35,000 villages. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia introduced the service, emphasizing its role in improving education, healthcare, and economic activities in underserved areas.
This marks a significant change from the previous system, where DBN-funded towers were restricted to use by the operators who installed them. The new shared infrastructure approach is expected to reduce the need for additional towers while improving resource utilization for telecom companies.
The service primarily benefits users in rural and remote areas, where network connectivity has traditionally been challenging. By allowing access to any available network at DBN-funded towers, the initiative aims to reduce dropped calls and improve data speeds across regions.