India's Vodafone Idea and BSNL reportedly agree to expand network sharing

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Vodafone Idea (Vi) and state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) may have agreed to expand network sharing in specific areas, a move expected to improve user service experience.

The scope of this agreement may cover intra-circle and inter-circle roaming, while fiber optic cable (OFC) and tower sharing are also progressing (as reported by CNBC-AWAAZ).

Earlier, Vi CEO Abhijit Kishore and BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Robert J Ravi held a meeting on Tuesday (August 25).

Network sharing could enable Vi to generate additional revenue by serving users of the state-owned telecom operator, particularly in areas where BSNL's connectivity is limited. On the other hand, this arrangement helps BSNL expand its coverage in rural and other regions by leveraging Vi's network.

The two operators have not yet made an official announcement regarding this.

Vi and BSNL currently have intra-circle roaming arrangements in New Delhi and Mumbai, allowing BSNL users to use the private telecom operator's network on a revenue-sharing basis.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently stated that the two telecom operators are discussing deeper infrastructure sharing, including 4G and 5G services.

According to the DoT, as of April 2026, BSNL had also leased approximately 1,441 towers from Vodafone Idea.