If you are a BSNL, Vodafone India or Reliance Jio subscriber, then it seems you are going to get a much better mobile network coverage both in urban and rural areas of India.
The state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed pan-India intra-circle roaming agreement with Vodafone India and Reliance Jio for 2G and 4G services. With this agreement, Vodafone and Reliance Jio can utilise BSNL’s vast 2G network, especially in rural areas to strengthen their networks.
Whereas BSNL would be able to use Reliance Jio’s 4G services and Vodafone’s network to get better coverage in urban areas and during roaming.
With this agreement, BSNL mobile subscribers having a 4G smartphone would be able to use Reliance Jio’s 4G services in roaming. While Jio’s subscribers could use the BSNL’s 2G network for making voice calls.
As you may know, Reliance Jio is an all-IP 4G-LTE network provider. So, now they can fall-back to BSNL’s 2G network for connecting their voice calls.
“We are focused on creating value for our customers through expanding our outreach as well as strengthening our network capabilities, especially in terms of quality. This agreement should benefit both our customers and create a strong, seamless support for both the networks,” said Anupam Shrivastava, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director.
“While we are creating a new-age network of our own, such agreements help our customers to stay connected while roaming.” said Sanjay Mashruwala, Reliance Jio Managing Director.
In the case of BSNL and Vodafone India, both operators can strengthen their 2G network coverage across the country and use each other’s assets. Vodafone India has over 1,37,000 towers across the country mainly in the urban areas. Whereas BSNL has more than 1,14,000 towers across the country, with most of them in the rural areas.
“We want our hundreds of million customers to consistently enjoy a superior network experience and remain confidently connected, at all times, for all their voice and data needs,” said Sunil Sood, MD and CEO of Vodafone India.
Highlight of intra-circle roaming pact
- BSNL subscribers can use Reliance 4G services.
- Reliance Jio subscribers can use BSNL‘s 2G network to make voice calls.
- Vodafone India can strengthen their 2G network coverage, especially in rural areas.
- BSNL can use Vodafone’s network to strengthen its 2G network, especially in urban areas.
For mobile subscribers of this three major telecom operators, they can now get improved connectivity and enhance the customer experience overall.