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Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) Facility Launched by DoT: Boosting Connectivity in Rural India

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently unveiled the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the telecom gap in rural and remote parts of India. This facility, which leverages Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites, was inaugurated alongside the launch of the Sanchar Saathi App by Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The ICR initiative brings together three of India’s leading telecom operators – Reliance Jio, BSNL, and Airtel – to share infrastructure at DBN-funded sites, ensuring seamless connectivity for millions of users.

Enhancing Connectivity in Rural Areas

The ICR facility enables users of Jio, BSNL, and Airtel to access 4G services through shared mobile towers, even in areas where their specific provider does not have a tower. Previously, only the subscribers of the operator managing the tower could benefit from its services. With ICR, this limitation has been eliminated, providing access to reliable mobile connectivity for underserved regions.

According to the DoT, the initiative is expected to provide seamless 4G connectivity to 35,400 rural and remote villages, supported by around 27,000 DBN-funded towers. This collaboration between operators ensures enhanced network coverage and reduces capital expenditure for telecom service providers, making it a cost-effective solution.

Role of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) was established under the Telecommunications Act of 2023 to promote connectivity and affordability, especially in rural and remote regions. DBN funding has been instrumental in deploying infrastructure for the ICR initiative, helping address long-standing connectivity challenges in India’s hinterlands.

Sanchar Saathi App: Fortifying Telecom Security

Alongside the ICR facility, the DoT launched the Sanchar Saathi App, designed to enhance telecom security and combat fraud. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app provides tools to secure telecom resources and offers users better control over their connections.

Additionally, the DoT introduced the vision document for National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, which aims to connect 1.7 lakh villages across India. The mission reflects the government’s commitment to digital inclusion and rural empowerment.

Collaboration Among Telecom Giants

The ICR initiative marks an unprecedented collaboration between Reliance Jio, BSNL, and Airtel. By leveraging each other’s infrastructure at DBN-funded sites, the telecom operators can:

  • Ensure seamless connectivity in areas with poor or no coverage.
  • Reduce redundant infrastructure investments.
  • Provide uninterrupted 4G services to users.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This move is a significant step in bridging the telecom divide in India. By enabling infrastructure sharing, we ensure connectivity for all, particularly in rural and remote areas.”

Impact and Benefits

  • Improved Network Coverage: Residents in remote villages can now access 4G services from any of the three telecom operators, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
  • Cost Savings: Shared infrastructure reduces the capital expenditures of telecom operators, making the initiative more economically viable.
  • Digital Inclusion: Extending telecom services to rural areas promotes digital literacy, e-governance, and economic opportunities.

Future Outlook

The ICR facility and associated initiatives like the Sanchar Saathi App and NBM 2.0 underscore the government’s commitment to digital empowerment. By fostering collaboration among telecom operators and optimizing resources, these initiatives pave the way for a digitally connected India. The launch of ICR is expected to serve as a model for future telecom projects, ensuring universal access to reliable and affordable connectivity.

Harshvardhan Mishra

Harshvardhan Mishra is a tech expert with a B.Tech in IT and a PG Diploma in IoT from CDAC. With 6+ years of Industrial experience, he runs HVM Smart Solutions, offering IT, IoT, and financial services. A passionate UPSC aspirant and researcher, he has deep knowledge of finance, economics, geopolitics, history, and Indian culture. With 11+ years of blogging experience, he creates insightful content on BharatArticles.com, blending tech, history, and culture to inform and empower readers.

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