"This partnership would allow the respective users of each operator to use each other's network while roaming"
With the entry of Reliance Jio, there are winds of change in the Indian telecom industry. It's changing the way telcos have been operating in India, as it isn't just aggressive with its marketing and plans, it's also striking strategic partnerships.
Jio has recently entered into a roaming agreement with India's fifth-largest telecom operator BSNL for intra-circle roaming. This would allow the respective users of each operator to use each other's networks while roaming.
The state-owned BSNL is already upgrading its infrastructure, which would allow its users to access Jio's 4G services if they have a compatible smartphone. However, the companies haven't finalised the rates at which BSNL users would be able to use the 4G services. Reliance Jio users on the other hand, would be able to enjoy BSNL's vast network to make voice calls, thanks to its wide coverage even in rural areas. It remains to be seen whether the voice calls over the BSNL network would also be free for Jio users or not, since the up-and-coming operator has been highlighting free voice calls as one of its USPs. And also, whether 2G/3G phones can be used by Jio subscribers on BSNL's network on not...
BSNL's Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava stated "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."
This partnership seems to be a win-win situation for both telecom companies. While Jio has a next-gen IP-based 4G network, BSNL covers entire India (except Delhi and Mumbai, where MTNL operates instead) with over 1,14,000 towers. This would also give a leg up to BSNL, which has been signing up roaming pacts with other telecom companies like Airtel and Vodafone.