RCom in talks with BSNL, Vodafone, Idea for 2G intra-circle roaming

Telecom operator Reliance Communications is planning to roll out a third generation (3G) intra-circle roaming (ICR)-like agreement to continue 2G service in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam after its right to use 2G spectrum expires in December.

"RCom already has existing and valid ICR agreements with other telecom operators, predominantly Tata Teleservices and Aircel, to offer 2G global system for mobile (GSM) services to its customers in these three circles," a source privy to the development said.

Under 3G ICR, telecom operators that don't have 3G spectrum in a circle use their partner's network to sell and operate 3G services.

The 3G intra-circle agreement has been held valid by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, but the department of telecom has challenged it. RCom has also approached state-owned BSNL, Vodafone and Idea Cellular for an agreement. Vodafone and Idea did not respond to queries.

When contacted, BSNL Chairman & Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava said various companies kept approaching the state-run firm for roaming and sharing agreement.

RCom has failed to win back 900 MHz spectrum it uses for providing 2G mobile services in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and the North-East service area.

RCom declined to comment.

The company has over 19 million customers across these three service areas, but its number of customers on its 2G GSM network could not be ascertained.

Vodafone and Idea did not respond to queries.

RCom, according to sources, is focusing on migrating most of 2G customers in a majority of the circles to 3G network by offering equal mobile call and Internet rates.

Vodafone did not elaborate on its plan of continuing 2G service as the matter is sub-judice.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)