Previously, the North East Telecom Circle was responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the telecommunication services in the six of the seven States in the North East Region of India, that is, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

Recently this Telecom Circle has been bifurcated into two Circles to serve the people better. The North East Telecom Circle - I has been entrusted with operation, maintenance and development of telecommunications services in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. The North East Telecom Circle - II has been given responsibilities of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.

All these States are mostly hilly and of tough geographical terrain. Large parts of these States are covered with lush green forests. The area in general is far-flung and away from the rest of the country. A number of Tribes inhabit these places and they speak different languages. The population is generally well spread, living in small groups in villages, with the exception of cities and towns, where the concentration is more.

All the six States are approachable primarily through roads only. The area is strategically important having large lengths of International border with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The area is subjected to rainfall for almost eight months in a year and is prone to landslides and flood, making large parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram inaccessible during this period.

The North East Telecom Circle - I has its head quarter at Shillong in Meghalaya and is headed by a Chief General Manager. He is assisted by a General Manager (Development) and a General Manager(Finance). The operation, maintenance and development activities are looked after by the three General Managers posted at the capital city of each of the three States.

Similarly, the North East Telecom Circle - II has its head quarter at Dimapur in Nagaland and is headed by a Chief General Manager. The operation, maintenance and development activities are looked after by the three General Managers posted at the capital/important city of each of the three States.