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What is a Mobile Number Circle?

📅 Updated: Jan 7, 2026⏱️ 5 min read📱 Telecom

A telecom circle (also called mobile circle or operator circle) is a geographic region defined by India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for mobile network operations. Your mobile number's "circle" tells you where the SIM card was originally issued.

Understanding Telecom Circles in India

India is divided into 22 telecom circles for administrative and licensing purposes. Each circle is a state or group of states where mobile operators (Airtel, Jio, VI, BSNL) provide services.

📡 Why Circles Exist

The government created circles to manage telecom licenses, spectrum allocation, and pricing in different regions. Operators bid for licenses circle-by-circle, which is why network quality and pricing vary across India.

India's 22 Telecom Circles

Delhi NCR
Mumbai
Kolkata
Chennai
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Punjab
Haryana

+ 10 more circles: UP East, UP West, Rajasthan, MP, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, North East, Himachal Pradesh, J&K

How to Check Your Mobile Number Circle

Simple Method:

  1. 1. Use Our Free Tool – Visit Mobile Number Circle Checker
  2. 2. Enter 10-Digit Number – Type the mobile number you want to check
  3. 3. Get Instant Results – See operator name, circle, and number type

đź”’ Is It Safe?

Yes, completely safe! This only identifies the operator and circle based on the number prefix—similar to checking a PIN code to find a city. No personal information is accessed or stored.

What Information Does It Show?

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Mobile Operator

Current network provider: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea (VI), BSNL, or other operators

📍

Original Telecom Circle

The state/region where the SIM card was first issued (e.g., Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Gujarat)

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Number Type

Indicates if it's a mobile number (starts with 6-9)

What It Does NOT Show

  • ❌ Personal Details – Name, address, age, or any identifying information
  • ❌ Location Tracking – Current GPS location or movement history
  • ❌ Call/SMS Logs – Communication history or contacts
  • ❌ Account Information – Balance, recharge history, plan details
  • ❌ Login Access – OTP codes, passwords, or account credentials

Does MNP (Mobile Number Portability) Change the Circle?

Short answer: No. When you port your number to a new operator using MNP, the number prefix (and therefore the original circle) remains the same. The circle information shows where the number was originally issued, not your current location.

Example: If you bought a SIM in Mumbai and later moved to Delhi and ported to a different operator, the circle will still show "Mumbai."

Check Any Mobile Number Circle

Instant operator and circle identification—100% safe and private

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