Key Takeaways
- Vodafone Idea and BSNL plan network sharing across all telecom circles.
- The proposed pact includes intra-circle and inter-circle roaming agreements.
- Subscribers could access each operator’s network across different service areas.
Vodafone Idea BSNL network sharing is set to expand across all telecom circles, with subscribers of both operators potentially gaining access to each other’s networks across different service areas.
Vodafone idea bsnl network sharing to cover telecom circles
The agreement follows a meeting between Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore and BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Robert J. Ravi on Tuesday. The proposed arrangement includes both intra-circle and inter-circle roaming agreements, extending the network access already available under an existing arrangement in Delhi and Mumbai.
Under the proposed structure, customers could use the other operator’s network where coverage is available. The companies are also expected to share infrastructure such as telecom towers and optical fibre.
Vodafone Idea already has an intra-circle roaming arrangement with BSNL in Delhi and Mumbai. Under that arrangement, BSNL subscribers can use Vodafone Idea’s network, with the operators sharing revenue from the resulting usage.
The broader network sharing plan could increase network utilisation for both companies. Vodafone Idea could gain additional revenue when BSNL subscribers use its infrastructure, particularly in locations where BSNL has less coverage.
For BSNL, access to Vodafone Idea’s network could expand service availability in rural and other areas without requiring the operator to build separate infrastructure in every location.
The companies have also been discussing deeper infrastructure sharing for 4G and 5G services. BSNL had leased around 1,441 towers to Vodafone Idea as of April 2026.
Vodafone idea shares and business impact
The proposed Vodafone Idea BSNL network sharing agreement could create additional revenue opportunities for Vodafone Idea while helping BSNL expand its network reach. Greater infrastructure sharing could allow the company to increase network utilisation and create additional revenue opportunities from existing assets.
BSNL, meanwhile, could use shared infrastructure to extend network reach and make greater use of telecom assets. The proposed arrangement covers infrastructure such as towers and optical fibre, which are key components of mobile network operations.
Vodafone Idea shares fell 0.66% on Wednesday after the stock recorded a strong recent rally. The shares touched a fresh 52-week high of ₹15.37 before declining to ₹15.02 during the morning session. At the reported level, the stock remained 1.82% below its 52 week high.
The shares had gained around 15% over the previous 30 days and had risen nearly 134% from their 52 week low of ₹6.46. The stock closed higher in 6 of the previous 10 trading sessions, with its biggest single-day gain of 11% recorded on January 30, 2026.
The network sharing arrangement could give both operators a way to use existing infrastructure more efficiently. For Vodafone Idea, the potential revenue from BSNL users adds another business opportunity, while BSNL could benefit from wider network access.
The proposed expansion across telecom circles would also take the existing cooperation between the 2 operators beyond Delhi and Mumbai, covering a broader set of service areas across India.
