BSNL steps up the game, offers cheaper recharge plans to lure customers

BSNL is attempting to attract customers by introducing more affordable recharge plans. Despite entering the 4G market later than its competitors, BSNL is seizing the opportunity to capitalise on growing discontent among users regarding recent tariff increases by private operators.

The public sector enterprise aims to leverage this situation by offering several low-cost plans with various benefits. Among these is a new Rs 91 recharge plan, which boasts a 90-day validity. This plan is designed to keep SIM cards active for an extended period.

Currently, customers require a monthly recharge of Rs 249 to access services of private operators with no special validity plans. For instance, Jio’s lowest-priced plan, at Rs 198, provides just 14 days of validity.

BSNL’s low-cost plans are expected to benefit users with multiple SIM cards and those travelling abroad, helping them maintain their numbers without risking deactivation. 

However, the Rs 91 recharge plan has notable limitations. It primarily extends validity without offering additional benefits. Under this plan, phone calls are charged at 1 paise per minute, data usage at 1 paise per MB, and SMS at 25 paise each. Should the balance be depleted before the end of the validity period, users will need to purchase additional top-up recharges.