Reliance Jio Partners with BSNL to Offer ICR Plans in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Reliance Jio has introduced two new Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) recharge plans in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), as per the news reports. 

The plans are available for customers in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where Jio’s network coverage remains limited. This aims to provide uninterrupted mobile services by allowing Jio users to connect to BSNL’s network in select areas.

Plan Details

The new recharge options are priced at ₹196 and ₹396, both with a validity of 28 days. The ₹196 plan includes 2GB of data, 1,000 minutes of voice calls, and 1,000 SMS, while the ₹396 plan offers 10GB of data with the same voice and SMS benefits. 

These packs are restricted to use on the BSNL ICR network and are not valid on Jio’s own network or any other operator’s network.

How It Works

Once recharged, the ICR plan will remain inactive until the device connects to the BSNL network. Activation occurs automatically when a user initiates a voice call, SMS, or data session through BSNL’s infrastructure. 

The validity period starts from that moment. The service is intended for customers in areas where Jio’s signal strength or network presence is weak.

Testing and Implementation

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently confirmed successful testing of intra-circle roaming between BSNL and Jio at Village Ummed in Rajasthan. The test was conducted under the supervision of Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal. 

The arrangement allows customers from one operator to use another’s network for improved connectivity in rural regions.

Separately, Bharti Airtel announced the expansion of its rural coverage under the government’s Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative. The project involves setting up 4G towers across remote areas in states such as Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihar to extend access to mobile services.

Read More: ISMA Welcomes Government’s Nod for 15 Lakh Tonne Sugar Export!

Conclusion

The ICR plans are currently limited to Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and are expected to improve mobile service accessibility in regions with limited Jio coverage.

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