# BSNL to launch intra circle roaming, ensuring seamless connectivity without towers

> BSNL is preparing to launch intra circle roaming across 12 to 13 telecom circles to tackle network issues. The feature will automatically switch users to partner networks in low-coverage areas.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Technology · **Published:** 2026-11-06 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/technology/bsnl-to-launch-intra-circle-roaming-ensuring-seamless-connectivity-without-towers-57247 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** BSNL, Intra Circle Roaming, Department of Telecommunications, Mobile Network, Telecom Sector

State-run telecom operator BSNL is gearing up to introduce intra circle roaming across several parts of the country. The initiative aims to eliminate network connectivity issues and improve service reliability. It is essential to understand what intra circle roaming entails, how it benefits users, and whether subscribers of other networks can also take advantage of it.

 

## Relief in low-coverage zones

Subscribers often face inconvenience due to missing network signals. To resolve this grievance, BSNL is rolling out the intra circle roaming service across 12 to 13 telecom circles nationwide. Once operational, BSNL customers will be able to utilize partner operator networks in locations where the company lacks its own towers or coverage. According to official disclosures, agreements with other telecom providers have been largely finalized, and official signing of the deal is expected shortly.

 

## Understanding intra circle roaming

Generally, when travelling outside one's home state, a mobile phone connects to a roaming network. However, intra circle roaming means utilizing roaming within one's own state or designated circle. For instance, a user with a BSNL SIM in the Delhi circle visiting an area devoid of working towers will not lose signals if an ICR agreement exists with another operator. The phone automatically switches to the alternative network, allowing uninterrupted calls and internet usage.

 

## No additional charges for customers

The biggest advantage of this arrangement is that customers will not incur any extra costs. The mechanism functions as a mutual commercial agreement between two telecom companies. Users will not even realize that their phone has transitioned from the home network to a partner network, as the entire process occurs automatically in the background. In rural and remote regions featuring towers from only one or two providers, customers can enjoy high-speed internet and calling through this facility.

 

## Lifesaver during natural disasters

ICR proves to be a vital tool for saving lives during natural calamities. The Department of Telecommunications noted that in July, heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides caused widespread devastation in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland, leading to total communication blackouts. Emergency response mechanisms were activated, mandating all operators to implement ICR in affected regions. This has already been enforced in districts like Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat in Assam, and Mon in Nagaland.

 

## Overcoming network barriers during emergencies

When the Department of Telecommunications activates emergency ICR, commercial agreements between companies become secondary. Any subscriber present in the disaster zone can connect to any available operational network. If landslides topple towers belonging to BSNL and Jio while Airtel remains intact, BSNL and Jio handsets automatically latch onto Airtel's network upon ICR activation. This provides immense support to affected residents and rescue teams, ensuring uninterrupted communication channels.

 

## Manual steps to configure ICR

Whether utilizing this new facility or handling a disaster scenario, users facing network loss can configure specific smartphone settings if ICR is accessible. Navigation to phone settings ensures that the automatic network selection option remains enabled, allowing the device to latch onto the strongest available signal independently. If automatic connection fails, users can manually configure settings by opening network connections, selecting network operators, and manually registering onto any visible active network displayed on the screen.

## What this means for you
This new service will directly impact the daily lives of millions of BSNL subscribers across the country, particularly those residing in weak coverage and rural areas.

- **Reduction in call drops:** Handsets will automatically switch to partner networks in low-signal zones, eliminating frequent call disconnection issues.
- **Rural connectivity:** Residents in rural and remote regions featuring towers from only one or two operators will gain access to seamless high-speed internet and calling.
- **No extra financial burden:** Customers will not be charged any additional fees for this commercial arrangement, ensuring zero impact on household expenses.
- **Emergency safety:** Communication lines will remain active even during natural disasters and landslides when conventional communication infrastructure collapses.
- **Nationwide rollout:** The facility is being implemented across 12 to 13 telecom circles, providing widespread relief to users on a large scale.

## Why this happened
This initiative is being implemented to address pervasive network coverage gaps and ensure uninterrupted communication channels during emergency situations.

- **Network coverage gaps:** Subscribers frequently encounter signal loss in numerous regions where BSNL lacks adequate tower infrastructure or direct coverage.
- **Disaster management imperatives:** Following complete communication blackouts caused by natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland in July, the government strengthened emergency response protocols.
- **Commercial agreements:** Telecommunications firms are finalizing mutual business pacts to share network infrastructure and partner towers without incurring prohibitive costs.
- **Regulatory directives:** The Department of Telecommunications has mandated the implementation of ICR across disaster-affected zones to maintain critical public connectivity.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What is intra circle roaming?
Intra circle roaming allows subscribers to utilize a partner operator's network while remaining within their own designated telecom circle.

### 2. How many telecom circles are getting this service?
BSNL is rolling out this service across 12 to 13 telecom circles nationwide.

### 3. Will customers have to pay extra charges for this facility?
No, customers will not pay any additional fees as this is an internal commercial agreement between telecom companies.

### 4. In which states was ICR implemented in July?
ICR was implemented in selected districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland following heavy rains and landslides in July.

### 5. Which phone setting should be enabled during network loss?
Users should ensure that the automatic network selection option is enabled in phone settings so the device can latch onto available signals independently.

---
_TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._