MUMBAI, MAY 22
State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched a new postpaid data plan worth Rs 499 to take on Reliance Jio. Under the new Rs 499 postpaid plan, subscribers are entitled to get 45GB of monthly data along with unlimited voice calling and 100 free SMS per day. BSNL is yet to make the details of the plan public and subscribers will have to call the customer care to activate the plan in their region.
On the other hand, Reliance has an unlimited plan worth Rs 509 which offers 60GB data per month along with free unlimited voice calls and SMS. However, the Rs 509 plan by Reliance Jio comes with a FUP limit of 2GB per day while the BSNL Rs 499 plan has no FUP limit. Having said that, the BSNL plan doesn’t offer the flexibility to carry forward unused data to the next month. Another major difference is the fact that while Reliance Jio is offering 4G VoLTE connectivity, BSNL is still on 3G.
BSNL is reportedly gearing up to launch 4G services across India very soon to take on private players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. As per several online reports, the government officials believe that successful implementation of 4G services across the country by BSNL is a crucial step for Digital India.
While there is no official word from BSNL yet, news reports claim that the operator will sell 4G SIM cards for as low as Rs 20 to gain subscribers. For those unaware, to use BSNL 4G connectivity, users will have to buy a new Universal SIM or USIM that supports 4G connectivity. When the 4G service is launched, users will have to visit any BSNL office or store to buy the new 4G USIM for Rs 20. However, existing subscribers will be able to retain their old BSNL mobile numbers. Also, subscribers of other telecom operators can use MNP to retain their mobile numbers and migrate to BSNL 4G.
In another news, BSNL has recently aunched a new plan for its prepaid customers. Called the Data Tsunami offer, this plan comes with a validity of 26 days at a cost of Rs 98. In terms of offers, 39GB of total data with a daily cap of 1.5GB per day. Note that this new data plan only offers benefits and does not include any voice or SMS offers.
