Intra Circle Roaming India : BSNL, Jio, Airtel Users Can Now Access 4G Through Any Network ?

New Delhi, January 19: In a groundbreaking move to improve mobile connectivity across India, the government has launched the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, enabling users of BSNL, Jio, and Airtel to access 4G services through any available network, even when their own SIM loses signal. This development was announced on January 17 during the inauguration of 4G mobile sites funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a government initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas.

This collaborative infrastructure-sharing initiative marks a pivotal advancement in India’s telecom sector, enhancing connectivity for millions while reducing costs and improving efficiency.

What Is the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) Facility?

The ICR facility allows users from any network—BSNL, Jio, or Airtel—to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower. This is made possible through the sharing of infrastructure by telecommunications service providers (TSPs) at government-funded mobile towers. In essence, when a user’s primary network signal is unavailable, their device can seamlessly switch to another network’s infrastructure to maintain connectivity.

Key Benefits of the ICR Facility

1. Enhanced Connectivity:
   • Users in remote areas can now enjoy uninterrupted mobile services, regardless of their primary network provider.
   • Over 27,836 mobile sites across rural and remote areas will facilitate this service.
2. Cost Efficiency:
   • By reducing the need for separate towers for each provider, the initiative cuts down on infrastructure costs.
   • The shared tower model minimizes the environmental and financial burden of installing multiple towers.
3. Increased Coverage for Rural Areas:
   • The initiative aims to bring reliable 4G services to over 35,400 villages, significantly boosting mobile connectivity in underserved areas.
4. Choice for Consumers:
   • Subscribers will have more options, as they are no longer limited to their primary telecom provider’s network.

How the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Plays a Role

Previously known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), the DBN was established to fund the installation of mobile towers in rural and remote areas, ensuring better connectivity for underserved populations. These towers were traditionally accessible only to subscribers of the TSP that set them up with DBN’s support. The introduction of the ICR facility changes this dynamic, enabling all TSPs to share the infrastructure.

This government-backed initiative is expected to transform the telecom landscape in India, allowing a seamless experience for users in hard-to-reach areas.

Union Minister Scindia’s Vision for ICR

At the inauguration of the ICR service, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the initiative as a “revolutionary step” in India’s digital journey. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among the country’s top telecom players—BSNL, Airtel, and Jio—in achieving the goal of universal connectivity.

“This initiative not only enhances connectivity but also provides users with better options and flexibility for mobile services. By leveraging shared infrastructure, we’re making significant strides in digital inclusivity,” Scindia said.

How ICR Works for Consumers

• Scenario Without ICR:
  A Jio user in a remote area with only BSNL towers would experience no service as the infrastructure was restricted to BSNL users.
• Scenario With ICR:
  Now, the Jio user can automatically connect to the BSNL tower to access 4G services, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

This seamless transition will improve mobile services, especially in rural and remote areas where coverage was previously limited.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the ICR facility opens doors to enhanced connectivity, certain challenges and opportunities remain:

Challenges:

1. Technical Integration:
   • TSPs must ensure smooth integration of networks to avoid disruptions in service.
2. Usage Policies:
   • Establishing fair usage policies to manage data sharing across networks will be crucial.
3. Consumer Awareness:
   • Users need to be educated about the new facility and how it works.

Opportunities:

1. Digital Inclusion:
   • Rural areas with limited access to digital infrastructure stand to benefit immensely.
2. Cost Savings for TSPs:
   • Sharing infrastructure reduces capital expenditure and operational costs.
3. Boost to Telecom Growth:
   • Improved connectivity will likely lead to increased mobile and internet penetration.

Consumer Impact: A Game-Changer

The introduction of ICR is a significant step toward creating a level playing field for telecom services. It ensures that users in remote areas no longer face disruptions due to network unavailability and enhances the overall reliability of mobile services.

Real-Life Example:

A farmer in a remote village relying on mobile connectivity for government schemes or weather updates can now access uninterrupted services, even if their primary network is unavailable.

Future Implications of ICR

The ICR facility lays the foundation for more collaborative efforts in the telecom sector. As India transitions toward 5G, similar infrastructure-sharing initiatives could play a crucial role in ensuring rapid deployment and universal coverage.

• 5G Expansion:
  The success of ICR for 4G could pave the way for collaborative efforts in rolling out 5G networks.
• Public-Private Partnerships:
  Enhanced cooperation between the government and telecom providers could drive future innovations in the sector.