ICR allows users to make calls and use 4G data even when their network signal drops.
The service is designed to enhance connectivity in over 35,000 villages across India.
Telecom operators' shared infrastructure will reduce costs while improving service quality in underserved regions.
To improve mobile connectivity, the Indian government has launched the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) service, which allows users to make calls in areas where their own network signals are weak. This service will allow users to make calls and access 4G data by connecting to available networks, ensuring consistent service even in areas with limited coverage.
SurveyThe ICR was launched at an event with the goal of improving connectivity in rural and remote areas. During a demonstration of 4G mobile sites funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a government-sponsored program, it was revealed that telecom companies will now share infrastructure at DBN-funded towers.
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For those unfamiliar, this collaboration means that users will no longer be limited to their own telecom provider’s network. For example, if their network goes down, the device can switch to other available networks on the same tower.
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The new initiative aims to provide reliable mobile coverage to more than 35,000 villages by leveraging nearly 27,000 mobile towers across the country. The DBN-funded towers were only accessible to the telecom operators who installed them, leaving other network users without coverage in those areas.
With the introduction of ICR, users of all telecom operators can now benefit from the towers, improving connectivity in areas that have previously struggled to access networks. Customers will experience fewer dropped calls and faster data speeds, even in areas where coverage was previously limited.
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Additionally, this collaboration between the telecom giants will definitely optimise the mobile infrastructure in the company with the lower operational cost for operators and enhanced service for the users, specifically in the rural areas.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
