India Launches Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) Plan to Boost 4G Connectivity in Rural and Remote Areas

NEW DELHI: The central government has introduced a new plan to improve mobile coverage in rural and remote areas. Through Intra Circle Roaming (ICR), users of Jio, BSNL, and Airtel can make calls and access 4G even if their own network signal is unavailable, by using any available network nearby.

The initiative is funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), previously known as USOF, and lets users connect to 4G through shared mobile towers funded by the government. By allowing Jio, BSNL, and Airtel to share networks, users can access 4G services from any of the three providers.

This project will help over 35,400 villages and cover about 27,836 mobile towers. It reduces the need for many towers in these areas, making mobile services easier to use and more efficient.

Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the ICR service at 4G sites funded by DBN, highlighting its importance for improving communication in underserved areas. The goal is to strengthen mobile networks and provide better connectivity in areas with limited telecom access.

Meanwhile, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi having laid the foundation for multiple urban railway development projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore in Delhi on Sunday, India was well on track to become the second-largest metro rail network in the world, according to a statement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Sunday.

The country had already become home to the third-largest metro network in the world, covering over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, providing millions of people in the country with a quick, easy, and affordable means of travel.

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