News

Jio, Airtel, BSNL users can now use any network to make calls: Here’s how

January 20, 2025

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility on telecom towers across the country. This facility has been launched on telecom towers funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), earlier known as USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund). This will enable Jio, Airtel and BSNL users to access 4G services through DBN-funded mobile towers regardless of their TSP (telecom service provider).

Intra circle roaming for Jio, BSNL, Airtel

This newly launched ICR feature will enable Jio, BSNL and Airtel users Make calls and access other 4G services Using DBN-funded mobile towers even if their TSP’s mobile tower is not available nearby.
The service was inaugurated by Union Communications Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia while launching several other telecom initiatives including Sanchar Sathi mobile app and National Broadband Mission 2.0.
This new service will enable Airtel, Jio and BSNL to provide network services to their customers, even those located in remote areas of the country, without setting up separate towers everywhere, thereby saving additional costs to TSPs. Will help in saving.
According to details shared by DoT, the initiative promises to provide seamless 4G connectivity through 27,000 DBN-funded mobile towers in over 35,400 rural and remote villages in the country.

Highlights of today’s launch 🚀

📱Sanchar Saathi App Launched; Will provide essential telecommunications security at your fingertips!

📝 NBM 2.0 Vision Document Unveiled; The goal is to ensure that we connect a balanced 1.7 lakh villages across our country.

…

– DoT India (@DoT_India) 17 January 2025

What is DBN?

DBN is a fund that was created by the Government of India as a part of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The objective of this fund is to increase telecom connectivity and improve affordability. It also aims to make telecommunication services accessible in remote and underserved areas of the country.