Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have reportedly agreed to expand network sharing across select telecom circles, a move that could improve network coverage and subscriber experience.
The proposed arrangement may include intra-circle and inter-circle roaming, with optical fibre cable (OFC) and tower sharing also being considered.
Network sharing could allow Vi to generate additional revenue from BSNL subscribers using its network, particularly in areas where BSNL has limited coverage. At the same time, BSNL subscribers could benefit from expanded network access in underserved regions.
Vi and BSNL currently have an intra-circle roaming arrangement in Delhi and Mumbai, under which BSNL subscribers can access Vi’s network on a revenue-sharing basis.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has previously said that the two operators were discussing deeper infrastructure sharing, including for 4G and 5G services.
BSNL had also leased around 1,441 towers to Vi as of April 2026. The operators, however, have not yet made an official announcement on the proposed expanded arrangement.